Luciano Sandrone, Barbera dÕAlba 2021

Winery Background and History

Luciano Sandrone established his winery in 1978 in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, with a vision to craft wines that marry traditional practices with modern techniques. Over the decades, the Sandrone estate has garnered acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the Langhe region. The winery’s philosophy emphasizes low yields, sustainable viticulture, and minimal intervention in the cellar, resulting in wines that are both expressive and refined.

Producer and Winemaker

Luciano Sandrone, the founder, was a self-taught winemaker who quickly gained recognition for his exceptional Barolo wines. Today, the winery is managed by his daughter, Barbara, and brother, Luca, who continue Luciano’s legacy with the same dedication and passion. Their collaborative approach ensures that each wine reflects the family’s commitment to quality and the distinct characteristics of their vineyards.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Barbera d’Alba 2021 is sourced from three vineyards: Merli and Rocche di San Nicola in Novello, and Cascina Pe Mol in Monforte d’Alba. These sites are characterized by calcareous clay soils and benefit from a continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variations. Such conditions contribute to the development of grapes with vibrant acidity, deep color, and complex aromatic profiles, essential for producing high-quality Barbera wines.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes undergo fermentation in open-top stainless steel tanks, allowing for optimal extraction of color and flavor. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 500-liter French oak tonneaux, which impart subtle tannins and enhance the wine’s structure without overshadowing its fruit character. Following barrel aging, the wine is bottle-aged for an additional 9 months to achieve harmony and balance before release.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Barbera d’Alba presents a deep ruby hue with inky intensity. On the nose, it offers aromas of tart plums, boysenberries, and wildflowers, complemented by hints of leather, spice, and dusty licorice root. The palate is medium-bodied and textured, showcasing flavors of blackberries, blueberries, and black raspberries. Vibrant acidity provides freshness, while subtle tannins from the oak aging lend structure, culminating in a long, mineral-inflected finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Barbera d’Alba pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, including:

• Veal or pork dishes

• Pasta with rich tomato-based sauces

• Game meats such as venison

• Aged cheeses

Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile complement both hearty and savory flavors.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its nuances, decant the wine for 30 minutes before serving. Serve at a temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large, tulip-shaped glasses to allow the aromas to fully develop. This approach enhances the wine’s expressive bouquet and balanced palate.

Storage and Aging Potential

While the 2021 Barbera d’Alba is approachable in its youth, it possesses the structure and acidity to age gracefully for 5 to 8 years. Proper cellaring conditions—cool temperatures, consistent humidity, and minimal light exposure—will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and depth over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Barbera

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

• 14%

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 93/100

• Wine Advocate: 90/100

• Robert Parker: 90/100

• James Suckling: 91/100