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Sandrone

Barbera d'Alba 2023

Barbera d'Alba

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Barbera is a delicate and demanding grape variety. A meticulous search in the area for the very best soils, agronomical decisions and particular attention to vinification enable Sandrone to show the very best qualities of this wine. Barbera d’Alba is made to be a medium-weight wine that will drink well for a decade. It shows delicious and plump berry and black fruits. As Barbera possesses almost no natural tannins, the use of tonneaux gives the wine some much-needed structure. It is a perfect match with rich dishes as the bright acidity keeps it from being too heavy.

VINEYARD

The Sandrone Barbera d’Alba comes from three vineyards: Merli and Rocche di San Nicola in Novello, and Cascina Pe Mol in Monforte d’Alba. The Sandrone section of the Merli is a south-southwest facing bowl that catches the afternoon light perfectly. The wines made from here are earthy and robust, but with good aromatic complexity. Rocche di San Nicola is an extremely steep vineyard at the very end of the Novello promontory, just above the tall clay cliffs that plunge down to the streambed that flows toward Monchiero. It receives incredible sun and heat and is almost constantly breezy; it is thus perfectly situated for Barbera, which thrives in these conditions. The crumbling farmhouse (cascina) of Pe Mol sits at the top of the ridge leading from Monforte d’Alba to the hamlet of Perno and is among the highest vineyards in the region. Because it sits at the top of the ridge, it is unsuitable for Nebbiolo, a fickle plant which abhors windy conditions. At the top of the ridge, Barbera thrives, and slightly down the slope are excellent plantings of Dolcetto. From this lofty perch one can see the Monte Bianco, the Monte Rosa and the Cervino on a clear day (Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, respectively).

WINEMAKING

Each vineyard is vinified separately. After destemming and light crushing, the must is covered with CO2 for a gentle warm maceration of approximately a day. Alcoholic fermentation begins about 24-36 hours later from native yeasts. A gentle maceration takes place in upright open-top steel tanks for the first 8-10 days of alcoholic fermentation. Immediately after alcoholic fermentation, which takes around 20 days, malolactic fermentation takes place in 500 liter French oak casks. The wine is aged in these casks for 12 months, followed by 9 months bottle aging. Around 1,800 cases are produced in a typical vintage.

VINTAGE

The 2023 Piedmont growing season faced numerous challenges, including a wet spring, frost in early April, and a mix of hail, heat, and drought in summer. The frost caused significant crop losses, with some vineyards losing 10 to 50% of their fruit. Despite these challenges, dry conditions in August and September allowed the smaller crop to ripen well. The harvest took place in late September and early October, with producers noting excellent quality grapes. Though yields were down, this vintage produced well-structured wines with good aging potential.

TASTING NOTE

On the nose, the wine shows its imposing structure and typical aromas of plum. Red and black fruits then unite with soft, still noticeable vanilla and spice notes from the barrel. On the palate, flavors of ripe fruit complements the tannins.

Color

Red

Blend %

100% Barbera

Appellation

Barbera d'Alba

Alcohol

14%

Suggested Retail Price

$53.99

Reviews

93

Wine Enthusiast - December 16, 2025 "Pure joy in liquid form. Vibrant blueberries and wild blackberries burst from the glass with surprising elegance. The palate shows remarkable freshness and energy, dancing between ripe fruit and subtle spice notes while maintaining perfect balance. A wine offering both intellectual interest and pure drinking pleasure. The kind of bottle that disappears too quickly at the dinner table."

93

James Suckling - May 16, 2025 "Vinous and buttery aromas of bright red cherries and flowers. Full-bodied, it displays weight and density with supple fruit, bright black cherry flavors, lifted acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. Drink or hold."

93

Jeb Dunnuck - May 1, 2025 "Bottled in the middle of December 2024 and pouring a jeweled magenta/purple hue, the 2023 Barbera D'Alba offers a gorgeous lavender perfume, showing off a youthful note of sweet oak spice that frames the wine with a pretty touch of vanilla and fresh berries. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a polished and silky texture, with lovely ripe purity and a long finish. This beautiful wine will cast a large net for enjoyment over the coming 7-10 years."

90

Wine Spectator - September 30, 2025 "A Barbera with weight, this offers black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit, shaded with earth and an oak spice hint. Rich, juicy and firmly structured, with dense, pliable tannins leaving a grip on the lingering aftertaste."

Trade Materials

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Sandrone Barbera d’Alba Bottle Shot

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