Damilano Barbera d'Asti 2020 (750ml)

 

Ranked #61 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022

 

This wine has a red color with intense purple tones and a fruit nose with light spice notes.  It has a persistent flavor reminiscent of currants, violets, cherries and vanilla.

 

Pairs well with first courses, red meats and aged cheeses.

 

Rated 91 Points by Wine Spectator

 

A rich and sumptuous red, evoking plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors.  Reveals accents of tobacco, almond and spice as this winds down.  Lengthy aftertaste. 

 

Rated 90 Points James Suckling

 

Aromas of red tea, fig, plum and chicory root.  Medium-bodied with fine tannins.  Succulent fruit with a tight finish.

 

Damilano Barbera d'Asti 2020

 

Damilano is one of the oldest wineries in Barolo.  The family business dates back to 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno started cultivating and producing wine from the grapes from his own vineyards.  Giuseppe improved the general quality of the vinification system and of the wines, turning the winery into a “jewel” of the Langhe area.  In 1997 Giuseppe passed the winery on to his grandchildren Paolo, Mario and Guido.  Together, they are working to keep and improve the level of the quality of the Damilano wines.

 

About the Vineyard

 

Monferrato is noted as the place where Barbera was born.  The province of Asti with the relative DOCG Barbera d'Asti.

It is a low hill system, including mostly between 150 and 400 meters of altitude, characterized by a temperate or warm-temperate climate, slightly windy and with an average annual rainfall around 700 mm.  Barbera grows well in the clayey, deep and not very fertile soils.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Intense purple red in color, the bouquet is fruity with light spicy notes.  On the palate, hints of currant, violet, and cherry with a touch of vanilla, with a long persistent finish.

 

Alcohol:  15.5%

 

Food Pairing

 

Pairs well with first courses, red meats and aged cheeses.

 

Winemaking & Aging

 

Varietal Composition:  100% Barbera

 

Fermentation Container:  Stainless Steel Tanks

 

Length of alcoholic fermentation:  12 Days

 

Fermentation Temperature:  83 °F

 

Maceration Length:  6

 

Malolactic Fermentation:  Full

 

Type of aging container:  Stainless steel tanks

 

Length of aging before bottling:  6 Months

 

Production Information

 

Production Area/Appellation:  Barbera d'Asti DOCG

 

Vineyard Size:  40 Acres

 

Soil Composition:  Calcareous

 

Training Method:  Guyot

 

Elevation:  900 Feet

 

Average Vine Age:  30 Years

 

Exposure:  Southeastern / Southern

 

Year Vineyard Planted:  1998

 

Harvest Time:  September

 

First vintage of this wine:  2008

 

Bottles produced of this wine:  70,000

 

 

Damilano

 

Estate Owner:  Damilano Family

 

Winemaker:  Guido Damilano, Alessandro Bonelli

 

Total Acreage Under Vine: 100

 

Founded:  1890

 

Production:  365,000 Bottles

 

The Damilano name carries with it more than 100 years of winemaking history in the heart of Italy's most dynamic, competitive, and prestigious wine zone; Barolo.  Damilano is one of the oldest wineries in Barolo, dating back to 1890, when Giuseppe Borgogno started cultivating grapes and producing wine from his own vineyards.  Giacomo Damilano, the founder’s son-in-law, took over the winery operation in 1935.  Giacomo grew the business, and improved the general quality of both the vinification system and the vineyards, turning the winery into a “jewel” of the Langhe area.  The results of his hard work were passed down with great pride to his grandchildren Paolo, Mario and Guido in 1997: they gave new vigour to the family company and they are still working to maintain and improve quality in the vineyards.  The Damilano name stands, not only for longevity, but for top quality.  Aside from their world-class vineyard holdings, the Damilano family operates a Michelin-starred restaurant in La Morra.

 

Location of Vineyard

 

Damilano's vineyards occupy some of the most world-renowned and historic sites in Barolo.  On what is perhaps the most historically important sites of all, the hill of Cannubi, Damilano owns one of the largest sections in the historical core of the hill and nearly all of the section just to the west, known as Cannubi Valletta.  The Damilano crus Cannubi, Brunate, Cerequio and Liste have distinct expressions that showcase the differences in terroir, ranging from the innate elegance of Cannubi and Brunate to the more decisive and structured character of Cerequio and Liste.  In addition to these four single vineyard crus, Damilano produces the Barolo Lecinquevigne, a blend of five vineyards from three different towns: Barolo, Grinzane Cavour, Monforte.  Damilano's portfolio does not stop with Barolo, their comprehensive footprint in Piedmont includes a Langhe Arneis, Barbera d'Asti, Barbera d'Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo, Langhe Chardonnay, and a Barolo Chinato.  The winery is located in La Morra.

 

Winemaking Philosophy

 

The secret to high quality is found in the grapes that are destined to become Damilano wines.  The grapes are cultivated in prestigious and carefully selected vineyards that the company looks after with the same attention and respect as the winery’s founders.  The Damilano family's dedication to tradition, combined with the skills of modern winemaking produce wines of the highest quality.

  

 

Ranked #61 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022

 

This wine has a red color with intense purple tones and a fruit nose with light spice notes.  It has a persistent flavor reminiscent of currants, violets, cherries and vanilla.

 

Pairs well with first courses, red meats and aged cheeses.

 

Rated 91 Points by Wine Spectator

 

A rich and sumptuous red, evoking plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors.  Reveals accents of tobacco, almond and spice as this winds down.  Lengthy aftertaste.