Wines Barbera d'Asti Scarpa - I Bricchi - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Scarpa’s Barbera d’Asti DOC “Cuvée I Bricchi” 2022 is an excellent representation of the classic Piedmontese style, crafted from the Barbera grape variety. The 2022 vintage is marked by freshness and purity of fruit, thanks to a well-balanced growing season. The vineyards are gently sloping, typically featuring clay and limestone soils that impart both structure and vibrant acidity to the wine. Scarpa is renowned for traditional vinification methods, including extended ageing in large oak casks, which helps to harmonise the natural fruitiness of Barbera with subtle, savoury notes and a supple tannic frame. The wine shines a deep ruby colour, offering aromas of ripe cherries, redcurrant, violets, and a delicate hint of spice. On the palate, it is juicy, fresh, and medium-bodied, with a fine tension between fruit intensity and refreshing acidity, making it highly gastronomic.

The Barbera d’Asti DOC sits at the heart of Piedmont, a region celebrated for its rolling hills and temperate continental climate. The interplay between sunlit days and cool nights preserves aromatic intensity and tannin maturity in the grapes. Asti’s soils, rich in calcareous marl, are especially favourable to Barbera, enhancing its naturally high acidity and giving the wines finesse and longevity. This region’s winemaking heritage is deeply rooted; Piedmont is not just the land of Nebbiolo but equally passionate about the Barbera grape, which has long been the local everyday favourite. Scarpa is a historic estate with unwavering respect for tradition and terroir, producing wines with distinctive regional identity.

As for food pairing, this Barbera is a superb match for a wide array of dishes, thanks to its bright acidity and supple texture. It pairs beautifully with rich tomato-based pasta sauces, grilled lamb chops, or roasted poultry. Traditional Piedmontese cuisine, such as agnolotti del plin (stuffed pasta) or vitello tonnato, will find a perfect companion here. The wine’s purity and freshness also cut through fattier foods like salumi or aged cheeses.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Barbera d’Asti at a temperature between 16-18°C. This allows its vibrant red fruits and gentle spice to express themselves fully, while retaining the wine’s signature freshness and elegance. Decant for 30 minutes prior to serving if possible, especially when the wine is young, to let the aromatics unfurl.