Barbera d’Alba DOC

The Bongiovanni farmstead dates back to the early 1950s, when it was purchased by Giovanni Bongiovanni. Giovanni planted a Nebbiolo vineyard where there had been nothing but untamed woodland. He struck gold, yet never bottled his own wine. When he died, the estate was left to his daughter Olga who grew to cover prime hillside vineyards of the Langhe for her own wines. Here, the family only planted native grape varieties and one noble international grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. A good number of innovations have come about thanks to Olga’s nephew, winemaker Davide Mozzone. The Bongiovanni philosophy aims to minimize outside intervention and maximize character and terroir, steering clear of stereotypical wines. While not certified organic, the winery proudly participates in Piedmont’s Green Experience, which is a network of sustainable and organic growers.
Barbera is the variety that most resembles the personality of the Piedmont people: Bright, strong and determined. Bongiovanni’s Barbera is certainly true to form. Its burst of cherry and chocolate aromas provide the wine with excellent balance.


Wine exported to

Canada, Puerto Rico, Singapore

Most recent awards

  • 2018 | James Suckling92
  • 2011 | Wine Spectator91
  • 2011 | International Wine Cellar90
  • 2010 | Decanter90
Grape Varieties:

100% Barbera

Fermentation container:

Stainless steel

Type of yeast:

Selected

Length of maceration:

7 days

Malolactic fermentation:

Yes

Fining agent:

None

Aging containers:

Stainless steel and barrique

Container size:

225 L

Container age:

New and used

Type of oak:

French

Bottling period:

March

Aging before bottling:

24-30 months

Aging in bottle:

3 months

Closure:

Cork

Organic:

No

Vineyard location:

Monforte; Diamo

Vineyard size:

2 hectares (5 acres)

Soil composition:

Calcareous clay

Vine training:

Guyot

Altitude:

300-320 meters (984-1,050 feet) above sea level

Vine density:

4,000 vines per hectare

Yield:

90 quintals reduced depending on the thinning

Exposure:

Eastern

Years planted:

2003-2008

Age of vines:

10-15 years old

Time of harvest:

Mid-September

First vintage of this wine:

1995

Total yearly production (in bottles):

6,000-8,000 bottles per year

Tasting notes:

Crimson color; fruity bouquet with well-integrated wood and toasted aromas from élevage, reminiscent of cherries preserved in alcohol and chocolate.

Serving temperature:

Best served at 16-18 °C (60.8-64.4 °F).

Food pairings:

Goes well with first courses, such as pasta, with meat sauce.

Aging potential:

5-7 years

Alcohol:

Alc. 14% by vol.

Winemaker:

Davide Mozzone