Country: Italy Region: Piemonte Varietal: Barbera Vintage: 2012 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Bruno Rocca Description: The Rocca family originates from Barbaresco. Bruno Rocca took charge of the family... business when his father died in 1978, and decided that all the wine produced by the estate would from then on be sold in bottle. The family now has 15 hectares of vineyards. Stylistically, Bruno is a consummate modernist, making wines with great intensity of fruit while retaining the structure and elegance of the Langhe at its best. He was inspired to look at Asti for a Barbera for the reason that, whereas the best sites in Alba are planted with Nebbiolo, the best vineyards in the Monferrato grow Barbera, and therefore have the quality potential he is looking for. Vineyards Purchased by Bruno Rocca's father, the vineyard was planted in 1964 and completed in 1978. The land cultivated with Nebbiolo has a south-westerly exposure and is a mixture of tufaceous clay and sand. The vineyard is steep and is situated at an altitude of about 300 metres above sea level. The vines are approximately 20-35 years old with yields of approximately 37 hectolitres per hectare. Vintage Information The growing season in Piemonte was characterised by fairly unusual winter weather. November and December were milder than average with the coldest weather arriving a little later than usual towards the end of January. The low temperatures which continued throughout February were also accompanied by heavy snowfalls, which built up ground water reserves but also delayed vegetative growth in most places. March and April were cool and wet but May was fortunately quite dry. From the end of June, medium to high summer temperatures ensued, reaching a peak in the second half of August. There was little rain over the summer but no water stress issues were recorded due to the abundant reserves which had been built up during winter and spring. Vinification Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 30°C and lasted 18 to 20 days. The wine was aged for 12 months in 225 litre French oak barrels (Allier, medium toast), of which 50% was new oak. Tasting Notes Ruby-garnet in colour with an intensely perfumed nose and notes of redcurrant, blackberry and a smoky edge. On the palate, the characteristic tannins of Nebbiolo have been softened by the warm summer and the fruit character boosted. Long and very elegant on the finish. Ageing Potential: 10 Years Food Matches: Risottos / Pasta / Goat Cheese / Beef