Viniou Reviews
Scarpa’s Barbera d'Asti DOC “La Bogliona” 2018 is an expressive red wine, crafted in the heart of Piedmont, Italy. Made exclusively from the Barbera grape, this cuvée stands as a flagship wine for the estate, renowned for its complexity and depth. The 2018 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, with ample sunshine and just enough rainfall to ensure healthy fruit. The vineyards sit on calcareous-clay soils, which confer freshness and vivid minerality to the wine. Traditional vinification techniques are employed, with fermentation in stainless steel and extended ageing in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the wine to harmonise and develop nuanced aromas while retaining Barbera’s trademark vibrancy.
The Barbera d’Asti appellation in Piedmont is celebrated for producing some of Italy’s most energetic reds, thanks to the region’s diverse soils and temperate continental climate. Cool nights and warm days during the growing season preserve acidity and allow grapes to ripen slowly, encouraging purity of fruit and elegance in the final wine. Piedmont has a storied history of fine winemaking, with Barbera having been cultivated here for centuries. The region’s rolling hills, patchworked with vineyards, are home to a wealth of traditional producers like Scarpa, who have helped elevate Barbera’s reputation on the world stage.
With its lively acidity, supple tannins, and notes of cherry, plum, violets, and a subtle herbal undertone, La Bogliona 2018 makes an excellent partner for regional dishes. Pair it with classic Piedmont cuisine such as agnolotti del plin (stuffed pasta), tajarin al ragù, or braised beef in Barbera. Its freshness also complements grilled vegetables, roasted game birds, and aged cheeses like Castelmagno or Robiola.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to allow its aromatic profile to unfold. Serve at 16-18°C to highlight both its vibrant fruit and refined structure. This wine can be appreciated now or cellared for several more years to reveal further complexity.
