Barbaresco 'Gallina' Castello di Neive 2020

Castello di Neive's Barbaresco "Gallina" was born in the beautiful medieval village of Neive in the heart of the Piedmontese Langhe, an area devoted to the production of reds of unparalleled quality. The castle has an important history behind it: since the 1400s, it has been owned by noble Piedmontese families who have helped make this an enchanting place. Wine production has been an in-house activity at the castle for more than a hundred years. The Stupino family has taken up the legacy and, over the years, has always set itself the goal of continuing to produce a wine that was an expression of the intrinsic characteristics of the land. After his father Giacomo, it is his son Italo who has made a remarkable change, thanks to his scientific approach to the vineyard and the countryside. Tradition, research and creativity are the watchwords that accompany the painstaking work projected into the future.

The vineyards of Castello di Neive's Barbaresco "Gallina" are managed in such a way as to reduce to a minimum the use of pesticides and synthetic chemicals, which are detrimental to the development of the raw material: grape production is not the end, but a very important step, so that the final product has a great expression. The estate lands have an extension of about 60 hectares, 27 of which are completely planted with vines: the soil is composed of alternate layers of marly stone and sand, formed as a result of alluvial phenomena. The climate is continental, with cold, wet winters often subject to snowfall; summers are hot and sultry but with temperatures never too high. Harvesting is by hand in small boxes; alcoholic fermentation takes place in the cellar for 10-12 days. It is aged 12 months in barrels.

To the eye, Castello di Neive's Barbaresco "Gallina" is garnet red with bright, intense reflections. The bouquet of aromas is reminiscent of wilted flowers, ripe red berry fruit and hints of burnt wood; on the palate, it is elegant, enveloping and harmonious with soft tannins well integrated into the overall structure and a final persistence that beckons the drinker. In pairing, it is excellent with traditional Piedmontese red meat cuts cooked grilled and stewed, local game and risottos with elaborate seasonings; also perfect with aged cow's milk cheeses for a tasty end to a meal. Great for delighting the family holiday table and enjoying a traditional product that recalls the authentic flavours of the Piedmontese land.