Barbera Monferrato 'Rivalta' Villa Sparina 2016

Barbera del Monferrato Superiore 'Rivalta' is a full and generous expression of the Monferrato territory made by the Piedmontese winery Villa Sparina. This Barbera comes from the large homonymous plot of 'Rivalta', a 9-hectare parcel located within the municipal territory of Rivalta Bormida, in the hills of Acqui Terme, in the Alto Monferrato. This area, corresponding to the southern slope of Monferrato, has earned the appellation 'Alto' by virtue of the higher altitudes that characterise the hills in the area.

Villa Sparina Barbera del Monferrato Superiore 'Rivalta' originates from pure Barbera grapes from 30-year-old vines cultivated on clay and limestone soils. The vines then benefit from the excellent southern exposure and the important altitude of 300 metres above sea level. The bunches of grapes are hand-picked with careful selection only when they reach full ripeness, and are then mellowed in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Here the alcoholic fermentation in contact with the skins and the subsequent malolactic fermentation take place, after which the mass is racked into oak barrels for ageing for 14 months. This is followed by a long resting period of several years in the bottle before final release.

Villa Sparina's Barbera del Monferrato Superiore 'Rivalta' presents itself in the glass with an intense ruby red colour with garnet contours. The elegant and complex bouquet brings with it vivid hints of black cherry, plum, morello cherry under spirits, sweet spices, mint, black pepper and coffee. The richness is confirmed on the palate, where the full body and enveloping softness are well supported by balsamic freshness and velvety tannins. On the lingering finish, the intense fruity and spicy sensations perceived on the nose return.