De Forville, Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy 2024

The De Forville family emigrated from Belgium in 1848, and established themselves in Barbaresco in 1860. Now the estate is run by the 5th generation winemakers, Valter and Paolo Anfosso. 

They own about 11 ha of land, mainly in Barbaresco and they also source some grapes from other growers to meet demand of their wines. 

De Forville Barbera d'Alba is sourced exclusively from the commune of Barbaresco. Grapes are whole cluster pressed and see extensive maceration of about 4 weeks before the wine is moved in large oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. Barbera is typically aged for about 18 months in barrel before release. 

Juicy, round and approachable making the perfect everyday "pasta or pizza" wine.

Barbera

Piedmont's most planted grape variety, known as "The People's Grape," grows extensively around Piedmont, historically made in an easy drinking style. Barbera produces medium bodied wines with soft tannins and elevated acidity. Moderate aromatic intensity of red and black fruit, red cherry, blackberry and plum with juicy, easy-drinking texture. 

Historically it was made in simple, easy-drinking style, until the 1980s, when especially Giacomo Bologna made a richer, more concentrated style named Brucco dell'Uccellone. 

In Langhe (where Barolo, Barbaresco and Nebbiolo d'Alba are located) and around Alba, best vineyards and exposures tend to be reserved for Nebbiolo and therefore Barbera is more-often-than-not planted in lesser vineyards. A notable exception would be Vietti's Barbera d'Alba Scarrone that Luca Currado- owner and winemaker of Vietti- planted in a prized location in Castiglione Faletto- one of Barolo's most important communes of production. 

There are 3 DOCGs devoted to Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore and Nizza, formerly sub-zone of Barbera d'Asti.