Giulia Negri - Barbera d'Alba 2024
Giulia Negri is one of those estates that particularly touches us in the cellar, not only for the quality of the wines but also for the sincerity of the approach. Located in La Morra, in the heart of the Piedmont Langhe, she embodies a generation of winemakers capable of reinterpreting the great Barolo terroirs with finesse, freedom, and precision. Her estate, Serradenari, occupies one of the highest sectors of the appellation, in an environment of hills, woods, and complex soils. This altitude brings a precious freshness, particularly sought after in a Piedmont where the balance between ripeness and tension becomes essential. Giulia Negri has established herself with an approach that is both sensitive and demanding, nourished by Burgundian inspiration but deeply rooted in Piedmontese tradition. Spontaneous fermentations, patient aging, and the search for a true expression of the place give birth to elegant, digestible, and vibrant wines. This Barbera d'Alba 2024 perfectly reflects what makes this estate a true favorite for us.
The Barbera d'Alba 2024 cuvée is made from Barbera, a historic Piedmontese grape variety, often appreciated for its fruity generosity, natural energy, and beautiful acidity. The grapes come from La Morra, on the heights of Serradenari, with a northern exposure that favors slow ripening and preserves the brightness of the fruit. At 400 meters altitude, the vines find a remarkable balance between light, freshness, and soil depth. The Tortonian terroir with sandy-clay texture brings a fine, savory, and slightly earthy expression, far from Barberas that are too sunny or over-extracted. Manual harvesting allows respecting the quality of the grapes, before spontaneous fermentation in steel that preserves the aromatic purity of the variety. The 16-month aging, shared between steel and 500-liter French oak barrels, gives length and relief without weighing down the wine. The result fits a precise, juicy, and very Piedmontese style, with that touch of refinement that signs Giulia Negri's wines.
In the glass, Giulia Negri Barbera d'Alba 2024 reveals a bright red, carried by a clear and expressive fruit. The nose evokes fresh cherry, raspberry, red plum, and some floral nuances, with a touch of sweet spices and fine earth. The palate is immediately generous but never simple, thanks to a lively acidity that stretches the wine and gives it superb drinkability. The tannins remain supple, polished, and discreet, leaving priority to the fruit, energy, and sensation of freshness. It is a Barbera d'Alba both accessible and serious, capable of accompanying a meal naturally while revealing a true terroir identity. It will be ideal with tajarin with ragù, roasted poultry, vitello tonnato, artisanal pizza, grilled white meat, or semi-aged cheese. Serve around 15 to 16°C, after slight aeration, to fully enjoy its brightness and finesse.
Grape variety: 100% Barbera
