From: Piemonte, Italy
Blend: Barbera
Taste: On tasting, the Barbera d'Asti La Villa reveals a vinous and intense aroma reminiscent of cherries and berries. Its vivid ruby-red hue, laced with violet reflections, captures the essence of a youthful, vibrant Barbera. The palate is met with a robust, balanced taste, beautifully harmonizing tannin and acidity, culminating in a long, agreeable finish.
"This is a serious Barbera achieving above its class. Densely colored with explosive aromas of black cherry, blackberry and sweet baking spice. The palate is rich and loaded with tart red cherry and mixed berry preserves. The vibrant acidity keeps this bold wine in balance and provides a refreshing start to each glass." 93 Points Wine Enthusiast
Pairing: For an optimal experience, pair this wine with dishes like veal with tuna sauce, Robiola di Roccaverano tagliatelle with courgette flowers, or a delightful Mediterranean monkfish. Of course, the classics work amazingly well here- pizza, pasta with red sauce, spaghetti and meatballs (or a meatball sub- yum!)... you get the idea.
Sam Sifton’s Vitello Tonnato
By Sam Sifton
About. Situated between the picturesque municipalities of Incisa Scapaccino and Nizza Monferrato, the story of the Tenuta Olim Bauda estate can be traced back to as early as 1220. Nestled amidst lands that have seen boundary disputes, passionate winemaking, and incredible architectural beauty, Tenuta Olim Bauda today stands as a testament to the region's rich history and the Bertolino family's unwavering passion.
The chronicles of Nizza Monferrato tell a tale of the Bauda, a property that marked the boundaries between the territories of Incisa Scapaccino and Nizza Monferrato. The property exchanged hands at the staggering price of 155,000 Lire in 1919 due to alleged gambling debts. What was once a unified estate was eventually split into the Bauda and Bauda Bassa. However, it was in 1961 that the Bertolino family's chapter began at this historic site. Giovanni and Agostino Bertolino, having deep roots in the wine business, saw the potential of the land, not just for its architectural beauty but for its unmatched capacity to produce wines of stellar quality. Thus, the Tenuta Olim Bauda brand was born.
While 1961 marked the beginning of the Tenuta Olim Bauda brand, the Bertolino family's affair with winemaking began much earlier. In 1927, Giovanni Bertolino procured his license to produce wines and spumanti in the "capital" of Barbera, Nizza Monferrato. His legacy continued with his son, Agostino, a pivotal figure in the Piedmontese wine scene. The baton then passed to Agostino's children, Dino, Diana, and Gianni Bertolino, who, since 1998, have been nurturing the Olim Bauda Estate to craft superior wines.
Understanding the land is crucial for producing wines of distinction. Tenuta Olim Bauda's vineyards sprawl across multiple Monferrato municipalities, each carefully selected for its unique soil composition and exposure. The soil is comprised of clayey-sandy marl of marine origin and limestone, and the soil enables vines to express their characteristics to the fullest. Evidence of its marine origins is apparent in the myriad of fossils, particularly shells of various shapes, that one may find during a stroll through the vineyards.
Winemaking at Tenuta Olim Bauda necessitates patience, an intrinsic connection to the land, and proficiency in crafting fine wines. True to this spirit, since 1998, they've minimized the use of chemical products and secured organic farming certification for all their agricultural outputs.
The 2023 Barbera d'Asti La Villa, made from 100% Barbera grapes, harvested meticulously by hand towards the end of September or early October, undergo fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. The wine matures in these vats and is refined further in the bottle for a few months.