Funtanì Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 2021 - Cordero di Montezemolo x 3

Terroir and Heritage of Barbera d’Alba Superiore Funtanì®

The Barber d’Alba Superiore Funtanì® DOC embodies the most complex and long-lived expression of the variety from the Cordero di Montezemolo winery. The name derives from the Piedmontese dialect for "fountain", referencing the geographical position of the estate's oldest plot near an ancient spring at the foot of the La Morra slope. The character of this selection stands on a sunny hillside exposure, historical vine longevity, and a natural yield restriction that results in very few clusters per vine, essential for a red wine of exceptional polyphenol concentration.

Agronomic Features and Extended Aging Protocol

First introduced with the 1998 vintage, this Barbera Superiore is produced in a limited allocation of a few thousand bottles under a strict technical protocol. Hand-harvesting targets the finest fruit of these old rows, which undergo alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Following racking and malolactic conversion, the evolutionary pathway enforces a maturation phase of over one year in oak casks. The cycle concludes with an additional year of bottle stabilization within the estate cellars prior to commercial release.

Sensory profile of Barbera Funtanì

The interaction between the sedimentary limestone-clay matrix and disciplined wood aging shapes a clean organoleptic identity with extensive structural depth.

• Appellation, Blend and ABV: 100% Barbera / Barbera d’Alba DOC Superiore / 14.50% ABV.
• Visual Presentation: Deep, almost impenetrable ruby red color enhanced by vibrant purple highlights and excellent structural weight in the glass.
• Aromatic Bouquet: Broad and fruit-forward nose, showcasing dominant notes of black plum, blackberry jam, vanilla, cocoa, and subtle toasted hints from the oak.
• Palate Texture: Dry, full-bodied, and velvety. The mid-palate delivers a dense framework where the vibrant natural acidity of the grape merges seamlessly with polyphenol smoothness, leading into a savory, persistent finish.

Food Pairings and Serving Recommendations

The bold structural extraction and crisp framework of this Barbera Superiore demand savory culinary options featuring rich flavor profiles.

• Classic Pairings: Pairs naturally with robust Piedmontese dishes, roasted red meats, traditional braises, rich stews, pasta options with savory meat reductions, and long-aged hard cheeses.
• Serving Conditions: To allow the complex aromatic layers to unfold completely and optimize structural balance, serve at a steady temperature of 16 - 18°C.

Cellaring Potential and Storage Guidelines

This wine displays exceptional cellaring longevity, allowing it to develop beautifully in the bottle for 12 to 15 years and beyond. To support proper tertiary maturation, store the bottle horizontally in a dark cellar environment, away from sudden temperature fluctuations.