Barbera d'Asti 'La Bigia' Luigi Spertino 2023

Luigi Spertino's Barbera d'Asti truly deserves an honorable place alongside Grignolino. Mauro, Luigi's son, has indeed continued the family tradition that has made Grignolino the flagship of the winery, located in Mombercelli, in the heart of Monferrato. However, in recent years, Barbera, another characteristic grape of the area, has also been adopted and nurtured with equal care, respecting the native environment according to unwritten farming rules, derived from common sense and the practices of the ancient local tradition. Almost as if each vine were part of the family, Mauro and Luigi support non-invasive methods using natural compounds to safeguard the vitality of the land.

In Luigi Spertino's vineyards, from which this Barbera d'Asti is produced, tractors are never seen among the rows, as all operations are carried out manually to avoid disturbing the soil. The harvest of Barbera, in the old vineyards facing west, occurs without mechanization, selecting the bunches that are in excellent condition qualitatively. Only the indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, which involves a maceration period on the skins of 8 days. The wine then rests in Slavonian oak barrels for 18 months.

The Barbera d'Asti from Spertino is undoubtedly one of the most direct and typical versions of this variety. It reveals an intense ruby red color of great personality and character. A character, in fact, a bit closed, tending to keep to itself, never letting go of anything more than necessary. Then, after a while, the rigor transforms into gentleness, and here come aromas of ripe red fruits, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, with notes of cocoa and hints of leather. It presents a powerful and soft structure, with a balanced and smooth sip.