Region: Barbera d’Alba, Italy
Varietal: Barbera
Tasting Notes/Critical Acclaim:
91/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
This was an easy growing season for Barbera in general, and the additional time in wood (80% in tonneaux and 20% in barrique) for the 2016 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne has beautifully intensified this wine. Bold cherry and blue notes of dried forest berry appear on the nose along with pleasant spice and tobacco. Compared to this estate's 2015 Barbera, this vintage shows deeper aromas, with less acidity on the tongue and more ripeness and fruitiness to fill the palate.
92/100 James Suckling
This is very lively and delicious with dark fruit, orange peel and a hint of chocolate. Medium to full body, tangy acidity and a flavorful finish.
Pairing: Barbera d’Alba pairs well with rich foods, meats, and earthy mushrooms, as well as with lighter types of grilled meat, pasta and tomato based dishes. This Cheesy Baked Polenta in Tomato Sauce by Yotam Ottolenghi is a yummy vegetarian option, and can easily have a good braised meat added for those who need it, or be filled out with some good greens for a heartier meat free meal. Cheers!
About: “Domenico Clerico is a small, high-quality producer near Monforte d'Alba in Piemonte. It is particularly known for rich, aromatic, single-vineyard wines from the Barolo appellation.
Winemaking has evolved over the years and Domenico Clerico does not sit firmly within either the modernist or traditional camp. Decisions regarding use of barriques or large barriques have historically been taken at least partly with a pragmatic view concerning availability and ease of handling, and the big change has been to extend maceration periods from five to eight days to an average of 18.
Approaches in the vineyard are perhaps more dogmatic. Vine quality is considered paramount and yields are amongst the lowest in the region.
The estate in its current form began in 1976, when Domenico took over his father's 5-ha (12-acre) smallholding, which had supplied the local cooperative. Over the years he has added small parcels from some of the best sites in Barolo and now holdings totals around 21ha (52 acres).” -edited Wine-Searcher
Barbera is the queen of the Langhe; And it is with respect that is due to a queen that
we produce our TreVigne: 3 different plots of land with unique characteristics to form an orchestra that plays on the notes of the red fruit, seeking the balance between the softness and vibrant acidity typical of this variety. -Domenico Clerico
