Castell di Perno Barbera d'Asti

Grape: 100% Barbera

ABV: 14.5%

Soils; White chalky vineyards sprinkled with salt crystals

The Story: We first encountered the wines of Castello di Perno a few years ago and were absolutely blown away. There are more wines brought to us by our reps from Piemonte than any other region in Italy, and these wines really stood out to us. The winery sits in the shadow of the eponymous hillside castle, the fortified walls finding the shape of a hexagon - hence the hex branding on the winery’s labels. We like it, hexagons are cool. But that said, this estate is definitely positioning itself as a glimmering luxury destination, and you can even book a room from their chic resort-style accommodations, and hang out poolside with an amazing view of the vineyards beyond. You can also rent the castle up the hill, if you’re into that sort of thing. This is Barolo, folks. What really makes this project distinctive is that unlike other Barolo estates, Castello di Perno is 100% certified organic. Founded in 2013 with winemakers Gianluca Colombo and Tommaso Pogliani in tow, the estate angles for a classic imprint with a modern vision, aiming for the best expression of its wines with approachable elegance. This Barbera is a declassified Nizza, from a single vineyard of 300 meter elevation. After a 48 hour cold soak, a 20 day native yeast fermentation follows. Aged in stainless steel tanks for 9 months, and then rested in concrete before bottling. This offers a true expression of this varietal and the extraordinary terroir.

Personality: This Barbera exhibits an intense and lively ruby color and a very intact, fragrant aroma with notes of berries and hints of black cherry. The mouthfeel is taut, angular like that elegant hexagon on the label, and deliciously drinkable with an acidity typical of the wine nicely held in check by an alcoholic sweetness. A simple yet very pleasing wine.

Harmony: Foraged mushrooms and wild game with fresh cut pasta. Or perfect for that Tuesday night pizza.