Vintus

Barbera d'Alba

Barbera is a delicate and demanding grape varietal. A meticulous search throughout the area for the very best soils, agronomical decisions and particular attention to vinification enable Sandrone to reveal the very best qualities of this wine. The Barbera comes from three vineyards: two in Novello at heights of 1,200 and 1,300 feet, with south and south-east exposures, and with mixed soils tending towards clay; one in Monforte d’Alba with western exposure, altitude of 1500 feet, and mixed soils tending towards sandy. The average vine age in all vineyards is around 30 years.

The hot and dry summer of 2005 was easily overcome by the water reserves accumulated thanks to the winter and spring rains. Each vineyard was vinified separately, and fermentation took place in steel fermenters; malolactic fermentation took place in 500 liter French oak barrels, and the wine was aged 12 months in the same barrels, and 9 months in bottle. The Barbera 2005 fills the nose with an aromatic liveliness and freshness. Full, potent and exceptionally well-balanced in the mouth, it is a complex and enveloping wine.

2005 Vintage Reviews
”Very rich and balanced, with lots of blackberry, milk chocolate and smoke character. Full and round, with a lovely texture.” 90 Wine Spectator, November 2007

"Bright ruby. Cassis, blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate on the nose. An explosion of juicy, spicy black fruits in the mouth, with superb ripeness perfectly leavened by strong acidity. The very long finish hints at shoe polish and leather. This wine now includes some barbera from high-altitude sites in Monforte, which Sandrone purchased in 1999." 91 Stephen Tanzer, Nov/Dec 2007

2004 Vintage Reviews
“The 2004 Barbera d’Alba is a vibrant effort boasting plenty of sweet ripe fruit and toasted oak flavors with excellent length and a fine, fresh finish.” 90 Wine Advocate, April 2007

“The Sandrone is a great example of modern Barbera: hefty black fruit, violets and smoked meats under a thin mantle of oak. Despite the exuberance of the fruit, the wine shows plenty of finesse, as it moves seamlessly through the palate to a medium finish.” 90 Wine Enthusiast, April 2007