La Luna e I Falò Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2020 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious red wine from Italy that's made with the Barbera grape varietal. It arrived at the LCBO last weekend in the August 19th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Vite Colte, a co-operative winery whose name means the art of cultivating the vine. The co-op is made up of 180 small winegrowers with 300 hectares of vineyards, all situated within Piemonte. The people of Vite Colte share a strong belief in the concept of quality, where the responsibility of individuals is an integral part of the final result. As winegrowers, partners, and friends, the members of Vite Colte are accomplices in a project that demands dedication to quality, which is every bit as strict as the protocols implemented in its pursuit. In order to obtain the highest level of quality, each winegrower is remunerated on the basis of the size of the vineyard, and not on the quantity of product.

The winery, whose architectural design has been reviewed by numerous modern architecture magazines, was inaugurated in 2000 and is located below some of the most prestigious Barolo cru vineyards. New technologies and a philological study of the territory, which gave the Langhe its specificity and identity, were top of mind when architect Gianni Arnaudo designed the winery. Vite Colte also paid great attention to integrating the winery into the landscape, while using eco-compatible signs and materials.

The philosophy at Vite Colte is that quality stems from innovation, as well as knowledge that comes from the interaction between different worlds and generations, such as rural knowledge, experience, tradition, and the Piedmontese passion for meticulous work, combined with modern research and science. Their goal is an absolute and constant quality standard that is the result of agronomic choices aimed at sustainable and selective vineyard management which is focused on achieving perfectly ripe fruit. Each winegrower complies with the protocol, taking prompt action in the vineyard, and defining and monitoring the progress of their work while keeping in contact with the company's team of agronomists. Vineyards used to create their wines are selected based on various factors such as vineyards that are at least 15 years old, low yields per vine, hand harvesting with great attention to harvesting dates, and integrated and/or organic viticulture.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Barbera that was carefully selected from over 60 hectares of low yield vineyards that participate in the "Superbarbera" project. The grapes were blended from vineyards with slightly different soils and micro-climates, which allowed Vite Colte to produce a better wine with the best balance between structure and aroma. It was traditionally vinified, with 10 days of maceration at temperatures between 20-30°C, and then underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barriques to further enhance its structure. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2020 Barbera d'Asti is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA LUNA E I FALÒ BARBERA D'ASTI SUPERIORE 2020 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#627901) (D) - $24.95
The open, medium-high intensity nose offers attractive aromas of plummy, ripe dark red cherry and black berry fruit with mocha, chocolate, vanilla, and spices adding savoury tones. It's medium+ bodied with fresh acidity and some sweetness on the ripe palate with plummy, black cherry, vanilla, and oak spice flavours. Supple, grainy textured tannins deliver a pleasing mouthfeel. Very good length on the crisp, dry finish, with hints of mineral. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next few years. Score: 89 pts

A Barolo by Vite Colte is currently on clearance at the LCBO, while other wines from this producer can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.