Wines Barolo Luigi Pira - Barbera d'Alba Superiore - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Luigi Pira’s Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2022 is an inviting expression of Piedmont’s quintessential Barbera grape. Despite the castle being better known for its Barolo, this particular cuvée stands out for its vibrancy and generosity. The 2022 vintage, marked by a warm growing season in the Langhe, has allowed the Barbera to showcase its signature freshness, lively acidity, and ripe red cherry fruit, while the superiore designation implies both additional ageing and a slightly richer, more complex profile. Typically, this wine would undergo maturation in a mix of stainless steel and large wooden casks, balancing fruitiness with subtle oak influence, resulting in a wine that is supple, medium-bodied, and harmonious, with notes of violet, blackcurrant, and a hint of spice on the finish.

Piedmont, and specifically the Barolo DOC area, is revered for its undulating hills, calcareous clay soils, and a generally continental climate. This unique terroir, with cool nights and sunny days, lends structure and aromatic precision to Barbera as much as to the illustrious Nebbiolo. The tradition of meticulous vineyard management, combined with the region’s longstanding viticultural history, ensures that wines like this Barbera d’Alba Superiore express not just fruit but also the character of their origin—structured yet approachable, vibrant yet nuanced.

When it comes to food pairings, Barbera’s natural acidity makes it extremely versatile at the table. It shines with tomato-based pasta dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù, rustic pizzas, or regional favourites like agnolotti del plin. It is also an excellent match for roasted game birds, grilled sausages, or hearty risottos featuring wild mushrooms. The wine’s freshness will also cut through the richness of braised beef or even a classic vitello tonnato.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Luigi Pira’s Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2022 at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting it for around thirty minutes will further enhance its bouquet and allow the subtle complexities to emerge. This wine is delicious now but can also develop further complexity with a few years of cellar ageing.