Montorone is a Barbera d’Alba Superiore. An old wine, since Barbera was already mentioned in 1514 in Chieri’s real estate registries. In the past Barbera was commonly thought to be a “young” variety, thanks to silence from historic sources, but it is actually a very pleasant wine, of an intense colour, with clear red fruit, flower and some spice smells. Its tannins are determined, never too aggressive, a thin body – oftentimes full of nerve – and an incredible acidity, so much so that it is considered one of the most acidic vines, even though it grows in relatively hot areas.
Barbera affirmed itself in the past as the Piedmont grape par excellence, just like its wine has always been the undisputed protagonist of farmer dining desks. So much so that, in time, poets such as Carducci and Pascoli have sung the praises of Barbera in their works. Non only a very drinkable wine, though. Barbera d’Alba Superiore and Montorone with it splendidly adapt themselves to a long aging process and can compete with the best reds on the world’s most prestigious tables. With a full and full-bodied taste it mellows the typical acidity of the vine. Small woods fit for this kind of wine are used successfully since they too mellow the acidity that, however, is still fundamental for the product’s taste balance and for a good, pleasant drinkability and digestibility.

Profile:

Procedural Guideline: D.M. March 25th 2010.
Vine: 85% to 100% Barbera; 0 to 15% Nebbiolo.
Colour: ruby red.
Smell: fruity and typical with possible wooden hints.
Taste: dry, sapid and harmonic.
Aging: 12 months minimum, at least 4 of which in wooden casks.
Minimum alcoholic strength: 12.50% vol.