Luigi Baudana, Barbera d’Alba “Donatella”

The Barbera grape is the most widely planted varietal in all of the Piedmont. It is grown in nearly every major wine making region of the Piedmont and it usually be drunk relatively young and tend to be the every day drinking wines of the people of  Piedmont. It is popular in the region that it is said to be the wine that best reflect the personality of the Piedmontese: rough and head strong, stubborn and quite, discreet and strong. 

Region: Piedmont
Production Area: Serralunga d’Alba, (Cuneo)
Appellation: Barbera d’Alba DOC
Vintage: 2005
Varietal Blend: 100% Barbera d’Alba
Vineyard: This one acre vineyard is at 1,000 feet above sea level on a southwestern exposure. It was planted in 1975 with 1.800 plants.
Planting System: Guyot
Soil: Predominantly calcareous with medium texture.
Harvest: Middle of October
Yield: 2.4 tons per acre
Alcohol: 13%
Vinification: It ferments in stainless steel tanks for about 8 days. After the racking it is poured in small, and double size oak barrels for about one year where the malolactic fermentation takes place. It is then blended and it rests an additional 5 months in stainless steel tanks to stabilize it.
Aging: A total of 18 months in oak barrels and 6 months in the bottle.
Total Production: 2.800 bottles

Tasting Notes: Red ruby color with garnet hues. Maraschino cherry, violet and cedar aromas on the nose. A rich mouthfeel with pretty cocoa, red apple skin and cinammon flavors rounding out the palate sensations.

Food Pairings: Excellent with appetizers and classic Piedmontese dishes like the Piedmontese style agnolotti.

 

REVIEWS from The Wine Spectator
Luigi Baudana Barbera d’Alba Donatella 2005  – 90 Points

“Very aromatic, with lots of blackberry and hints of fresh herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins, rich fruit and a crisp finish. This producer nearly always makes outstanding Barbera. Drink now. 240 cases made”. –JS  December 15, 2007