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.

92 Points
VinousMedia.com
2018 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2018 vintage was characterized by a long winter with abundant snow and then rain in the spring, restoring the precious water reserve after 2017 experienced very little rainfall. May and early June required careful monitoring of grape health. The year continued with a hot and dry summer, and the abundant quantity of fruit required the elimination of excess bunches (thinning of 30-35%). An ideal climate in the last weeks of summer and then mild days and cool nights of September allowed for a gradual maturation and the development of elegant and complex aromas and flavors.
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
Food Pairing
Mushroom pasta, roasted veal, mature cheese
Technical Data
GRAPES: Barbera (100%)
APPELLATION: Nizza DOCG
PH: 3.57
ACIDITY: 6 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: Aged for a minimum of three 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

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.
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