Wines Barbera d'Asti Vinory - Mandragola - 2021

Vinory’s “Cuvée Mandragola” Barbera d’Asti 2021 is a red wine that pays homage to one of Piedmont’s most expressive indigenous grape varieties. While the precise blend is not detailed, the designation Barbera d’Asti suggests Barbera comprises the core, crafted in a style that highlights both vivacity and approachability. The 2021 vintage in Piemonte was notably balanced, with warm days and cool nights contributing to freshness and aromatic clarity. Vinification for Barbera d’Asti is often focused on preserving fruit purity, typically involving fermentation in stainless steel or large neutral casks, thus maintaining the variety’s signature freshness, vibrant acidity, and characteristic notes of sour cherry and plum. Expect a wine that is medium-bodied, fruit-forward, and likely finished dry, with minimal oak influence.

The Asti area in Piedmont possesses a storied landscape defined by rolling hills and well-drained limestone and clay soils. The continental climate here, marked by cold winters and warm, sunny summers, allows grapes to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity. This interplay yields wines that are both lively and structured, making Barbera d’Asti a perennial favourite both locally and abroad. The region itself boasts a rich vinous history, with Barbera records dating back to the Middle Ages. In contemporary times, producers like Vinory are elevating Barbera’s profile through careful vineyard management and attentive winemaking.

Pair this Barbera d’Asti with a broad range of Italian cuisine. Its zesty acidity and juicy red fruit character make it an ideal companion to tomato-based pasta dishes, such as tagliatelle al ragù or penne all’arrabbiata. It also works beautifully with cured meats and hard cheeses typical of the region, including salame, prosciutto, and aged Grana Padano. For a classic Piedmontese combination, try it with bagna cauda, a warm anchovy and garlic dip served with seasonal vegetables.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, between 15 and 17°C. At this temperature, you will appreciate its freshness and bright fruit, while allowing any subtle savoury notes to unfold in the glass. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can further help the wine open up, enhancing the experience.