Barbera D'Alba Superiore SPECIAL "A" 2017

Unique Barbera, 100% Barbera grape, manually selected, 17.5% alcohol naturally, very unique!

Filippo Gallino – Barbera d'Alba Superiore SPECIAL “A” 2017

Filippo Gallino Barbera d'Alba Superiore SPECIAL “A” 2017 is an exceptionally rich and rare expression of Barbera from the Roero, made from 100% Barbera selected entirely by hand from some of the estate’s best plots of old vines. The grapes are harvested unusually late, allowing them to reach an intense level of ripeness and concentration, resulting in a Barbera that is dramatically fuller and more powerful than the traditional Piedmontese style. The 2017 was produced in a very limited quantity of just 4,752 hand-labelled bottles.

The wine offers an exuberant profile of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry and dark berry compote, accompanied by notes of liquorice, cocoa, vanilla, sweet spices and subtle balsamic nuances. The exceptionally ripe fruit gives the wine an almost Amarone-like richness, while Barbera’s naturally high acidity provides an essential counterpoint to the concentration and elevated 17.5% alcohol. On the palate it is full-bodied, warm and remarkably juicy, with soft, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish.

Rather than representing the lighter, highly acidic side of Barbera, SPECIAL “A” is deliberately a powerful, opulent and almost decadent interpretation, created to demonstrate just how far the grape can be pushed through late harvesting and meticulous selection. The combination of ripe fruit, freshness, soft tannins and substantial alcohol gives the 2017 an unusual balance despite its sheer concentration. At almost a decade old, it should now be developing additional dried-fruit, spice, tobacco and balsamic complexity, while retaining the generous fruit that defines its character. A remarkable and highly individual gastronomic Barbera, particularly suited to rich braised meats, game, slow-cooked dishes, strong cheeses and intensely flavoured Asian cuisine.