TASTING NOTES
The 2007 Montevina Barbera continues the tradition of delicious Montevina Barbera. This Barbera
boasts inviting aromas of black cherry and spice, which give way to flavors of cherry cola
and vanilla. The wine is bright on the palate and it finishes rich and soft, a soothing sipper that fits
well in almost any occasion. Try pairing this Barbera with rigatoni in a fresh ricotta and pork sauce.
WINEMAKING
The grapes are hand-picked, destemmed, gently crushed, then sent to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Because of the dependably gentle tannin levels of the varietal, we can use techniques to maximize extraction during fermentation. Once inoculated the tanks undergo daily “drain and return” treatments. The tanks are completely drained of their juice then the juice is returned to the tank over the skins that had formed a cap on the juice. This ensures more juice contact with the skins and feeds the fermentation more oxygen than a regular “pumpover” treatment. The fermentation is extended a full two weeks allowing more time for extraction and intensity of aroma and flavors. The wine is gently pressed and half is sent to small American Oak barrels and half is sent to neutral American Oak tanks containing French Oak “beans.” This international and multi-media oak program adds layer upon layer of distinctive spice aromas, furthering the complexity of the finished wine.
