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Elio Altare 2011 Barbera d'Alba DOC

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Item Number: 6497

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Appellation/AVA: Barbera d'Alba DOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2011
Grape(s): 100% Barbera
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Limestone and sand
Case Production: 833


Vine Age: 10 to 30 years

Winemaking Notes: The grapes were macerated on the skins at a controlled temperature in rotary fermenters for 3 to 4 days. Then the grapes were aged in neutral French oak barrels for 5 months.

Tasting Notes: Dark purple, full and soft on the palate with good acidity and a long finish of red fruits. Hints of blackberry and sweet spices on the nose.

Food Pairings: Antipasti, pasta, cheese, salami
Try Pasta and White Truffle Gratin

About Piedmont: Piedmont is one of the most important winemaking regions in Italy, boasting heavy hitter reds like Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Barbera among its output. Set at the base of the alps, the characteristic regional fog (nebbia) has given character, as well as its name, to Nebbiolo, a fickle, thin-skinned grape that makes Piedmont’s noblest wines: Barolo and Barbaresco. The Barbera grape makes everyday red wines in the provinces of Alba, Asti, and Alessandria, and the quality can be quite good when yields are kept low and it’s given good sun exposure and planting sites (which are often reserved for Nebbiolo). The Dolcetto grape is fruity, red, and generally drunk young. As for whites, there are a few, though they’re not as world-renowned as the reds. Moscato d’Asti is a popular semi-sweet sparkler, and whites from Cortese, Arneis, and Erbaluce can be quite expressive and refreshing. Truffles and mushrooms grow wild in Piedmont’s forest, and make for excellent pairings with the region’s wines.

Reviews
Elio Altare 2011 Barbera d'Alba DOC
Rating: 90

The 2011 Barbera d-Alba is another absolutely gorgeous wine bursting with expressive dark fruit. This unoaked Barbera delivers serious quality and personality for the money. A generous, plush finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.

In my opinion, one of the benchmarks of a truly great estate is exceptionally high, uncompromising quality across the board. Altare is without question one of those properties where every wine is well worth the effort of seeking out.

- The Wine Advocate (10/1/2012)