La Court Nizza Riserva DOCG 2020
Trade Tools
Italy / Piedmont
The 55-acre Tenuta Aluffi is one of the most prestigious estates in the southern part of Asti, near the town of Nizza Monferrato, a choice area for exceptional-quality Barbera. Within Aluffi is the La Court estate, with excellent soils of magnesium-rich calcareous marl and a beneficial south-southwest exposure. The vines are thinned of excess bunches at the end of summer, leaving 5-6 bunches per vine on average. This jewel of vineyard land receives the fastidious attention of the Chiarlo family so that its old vines produce extraordinary grapes. Following fermentation in large oak casks, the wine is aged in oak (50% in casks, 50% in large barrels) for a minimum of 12 months followed by 18 months in bottle.
Harvest Note
The 2020 vintage began with a winter season with mild temperatures and little rainfall. The first part of spring was relatively dry and sunny, and March and April enjoyed good weather and mild temperatures. In May, an unstable climate recorded a considerable number of rainy days, lasting until late June. This slowed down vegetative development but allowed for an accumulation of water in the ground. It was a generally abundant vintage, although thinning brought quantities back to normal. Overall, the climate was ideal, with a final sprint of bright days and excellent temperature range between day and night from mid-August to late September, conditions that characterize great vintages.
Tasting Note
Purple with ruby hues, this intense yet elegant wine offers notes of black cherry, cocoa, and coffee. A velvety wine with a long, silky finish
Technical Data
GRAPES: Barbera (100%)
APPELLATION: Nizza DOCG Riserva
PH: 3.6
ACIDITY: 6.2
ABV: 14.5
AGING: Aged for a minimum of two and a half years - 12 months in oak barrels
Unique Selling Points
- A classic single vineyard Barbera from choice terroir
- Nizza DOCG - Previously part of Barbera d'Asti DOCG, elevated to its own DOCG in 2014
- Very low yield, hand harvested with summer thinning of excess bunches
- One of a few top Barbera in terms of complexity, aging potential, and finesse
“We believe in the perfection of the grapes in the vineyard: terroir, experience, timeliness, studied interventions vine by vine.”
Stefano Chiarlo, Winemaker
About the Grape
Barbera
With relatively high acidity with low tannins, Barbera’s tart red berry aromas and flavors have spicy, herbal notes. Styles range from light quaffers to dense, concentrated wines for aging.
