Castello di Neive Barbera d’Alba DOC 2022

Castello di Neive and the surrounding 150 acre estate are owned by the Stupino family, siblings Anna, Giulio, Italo, and Piera. The Castello di Neive winery began when Giacomo Stupino, the family patriarch, capitalized on his experience as a surveyor and his knowledge of the area to purchase favorable vineyards and land whenever possible. In the small cellars of their family home, the Stupino’s began their first wine production (including Messoirano, Montebertotto, Basarin, Valtorta, and i Cortini) and, over time, their acquired vineyards grew with the family’s production and ambitions. In 1964 the family purchased the castle with its spacious cellars, along with more land and farmsteads in Santo Stefano and Marcorino. This marked a turning point when the Stupino’s were able to renovate the castle cellars and reorganize their vineyards to produce wine according to modern methods. When Giacomo died in 1970, Giulio and Italo oversaw the transition from tenant farming to direct management of the land, initiating production and export of Castello di Neive wines abroad.

Tradition, research, and creativity make up the philosophy of the Castello di Neive winery. Recently released photographs from the winery’s library show that, as early as 1904, Pinot Nero was being bottled at the castle, and that by 1925 Nebbiolo was recognized as a fine wine grape with varietal labeling. Now, roughly one century later, the Stupino family continues tradition of cultivating and vinifying these noble varieties as well as the often overlooked Barbera and Dolcetto and the local favorite, Grignolino. The Stupinos’ winemaking philosophy is to respect a centuries-old heritage of winemaking while embracing new technologies and research activities—both in the vineyard and in the cellars.

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Barbera wines, stemming from Italy's Piedmont region, stand out for their vibrant personality and food-friendly charm. Characterized by their rich fruit flavors, notably ripe cherry, blackberry, and plum, Barbera wines boast a refreshing acidity that invigorates the palate. This acidity, coupled with soft tannins, gives Barbera wines a smooth and approachable texture, making them enjoyable on their own or paired with a variety of dishes. What truly sets Barbera apart is its versatility in food pairing; it harmonizes beautifully with classic Italian fare like pasta and pizza, as well as with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and spicy cuisine from around the world. This adaptability makes Barbera a go-to choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions, appealing to wine enthusiasts seeking a balance of quality and accessibility in their glass.

While Barbera wines are often enjoyed in their youth for their vibrant fruitiness, some expressions offer aging potential, evolving into more complex and nuanced wines over time. With age, Barbera wines can develop intriguing secondary characteristics such as dried fruit, leather, and tobacco, while retaining their hallmark acidity and fruit-forward profile. This aging potential adds another layer of intrigue to Barbera, appealing to collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate the evolution of wine in the bottle. Whether enjoyed young or aged, Barbera wines consistently deliver a delightful drinking experience, showcasing the best of Piedmont's winemaking tradition and terroir.

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