Barbera d’Asti - superiore – Asti hills
                                                          
Area of production:
Region: Piedmont, district: Asti, village: Mongardino.

Grapes:
100% Barbera.

Maximum production per hectare:
49 hectolitres.

Strength:
14% vol.

Colour:
Ruby red with garnet nuances with ageing.

Bouquet:
Intense, vinous when young, its bouquet becomes fruity with ageing.

Taste:
Dry, full-bodied, warm, it acquires harmony and complexity in structure with refinement carried out in big oak barrels.

Serve at:
16-18°C.

Gastronomic combinations:
It is appreciated as a table wine, but giving preference to strong hors d’oeuvres, stuffed and well flavoured pasta -based first courses, risotti (which can indeed be cooked with Barbera), red and white meats and fat and well seasoned cheeses.

Vine of origin:
Barbera is the main Piedmontese vine. It can be adapted to hilly land and it benefits from good exposures and careful cultivation cures (prunings, thinning out of bunches, vintage choices). Vintage takes place towards the end of September – the first decade of October. In the best years very refined wines can be obtained, that can also be appreciated after a 10-year-ageing. Barbera with a 24-month-ageing, of which at least 6 months in wood, and with a strength not lower than 12,5% vol. is called “Superiore- Asti hills”.