Wines Barbera d'Alba Ca' Barun - Langhe Freisa - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Ca’ Barun’s Cuvée Langhe Freisa 2016 is a notable red from the prestigious Barbera d’Alba DOC, located in Italy’s renowned Piedmont region. Crafted primarily from the Freisa grape—an indigenous variety closely related to Nebbiolo—this wine often expresses a deep garnet hue, lively acidity, and a fragrant aromatic profile. The 2016 vintage in Piedmont was considered excellent, marked by balanced weather conditions that allowed for slow, steady ripening and the development of complex, nuanced flavours. Typical vinification for Freisa emphasises freshness and fruit character, often with a few months in stainless steel or neutral oak to keep the wine vibrant and approachable.

The Piedmont region, nestled at the foot of Italy’s Alps, enjoys a continental climate with pronounced diurnal temperature variations. These conditions, coupled with the complex mosaic of clay, limestone, and calcareous soils, help local varieties like Freisa retain lively acidity while developing depth and layers of flavour. Piedmont has a centuries-old winemaking tradition, producing wines with remarkable ageing potential alongside accessible, food-friendly reds like this Barun cuvée.

With its vivid cherry and wild berry notes, subtle floral nuances, and fresh, balanced palate, Ca’ Barun’s Langhe Freisa 2016 is well-suited to traditional Piemontese cuisine. It pairs beautifully with local classics such as vitello tonnato (veal with a creamy tuna sauce), tajarin pasta with ragù, or agnolotti del plin filled with roast meats. The wine’s bright acidity and moderate tannins also make it a superb companion for charcuterie, salumi, and hearty mains like osso buco or braised rabbit.

For ideal enjoyment, decant the wine for thirty minutes before serving to allow its bouquet to unfurl. Serve at 16-18°C to appreciate fully its aromatic intricacy and freshness, making it an elegant and versatile choice for both casual and celebratory meals.