Wines Barbera d'Asti Araldica - Superiore - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Araldica's Barbera d'Asti DOC Superiore 2021 is a lovely expression of the Barbera grape, a variety renowned for its vibrant fruit and lively acidity. Hailing from the rolling hills of Piedmont, this vintage offers all the hallmarks of a well-crafted Barbera d'Asti, with a deep ruby colour and a nose marked by ripe red cherry, plum, and a touch of violet. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and juicy, with subtle undertones of spice, a hint of earthiness and smooth, integrated tannins. As a "Superiore," this cuvée has undergone additional aging, often in oak, which lends a touch of roundness and gentle complexity to the wine without taking away its characteristic brightness.

Piedmont is one of Italy's most esteemed regions, enjoying a continental climate with refreshing influences from the Alps and Apennines. The soils here are predominantly calcareous marl and clay, providing excellent drainage and imparting a distinct minerality to the wines. Barbera d'Asti is one of the region's flagship appellations, long celebrated for producing approachable yet ageworthy reds. While Barbera was historically overshadowed by Nebbiolo, its inherent freshness and food-friendly nature have secured it a devoted following both locally and internationally.

When it comes to pairing, Barbera d'Asti is notably versatile. Its lively acidity and supple tannins make it perfect with rich tomato-based dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, pizza Margherita, or aubergine parmigiana. It also shines alongside classic Piedmontese fare such as agnolotti del plin (small filled pasta) with meat jus, vitello tonnato, or a simple platter of local salumi and mature cheeses. For a more contemporary option, try it with roast chicken, grilled sausages or even a hearty vegetable stew.

For the best experience, serve this Barbera d'Asti Superiore at 16-18°C. Decanting for about half an hour will allow the wine’s aromatic profile to fully unfold. Enjoy its personality now, or lay it down for another couple of years to let the tannins mellow further.