Pre Phylloxera Barbera d’Alba DOC 2023 - Elvio Cogno x 6

Why the winemaker recommends Barbera d'Alba “Pre-Phylloxera”

It is a true wine rarity, produced from a century-old ungrafted vineyard located in the Berri district of La Morra, one of the few vineyards that survived the pre-phylloxera era. The vines, dating back over 140 years and propagated exclusively by cuttings, have their roots in sandy-calcareous soils which, combined with the altitude of 520 meters above sea level, give life to a wine with an extraordinary identity.

A true open-air museum of historical viticulture, this vineyard produces very low yields but of very high concentration and quality. The aging in large Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months, combined with vinification in steel at a controlled temperature, allows the wine to preserve the purity of the fruit and develop complexity without losing elegance.

It is a wine for connoisseurs, but also a unique opportunity for those who want to rediscover the true essence of Barbera in an authentic and unrepeatable version.

Wine Characteristics

Denomination: Barbera d'Alba DOC

Vine variety: 100% Barbera (ungrafted)

Production area: Berri di La Morra, Piedmont

Vineyard area: 0.25 hectares

Altitude: 520 meters above sea level

Soil: Sandy-calcareous

Age of vines: Over 140 years

Training system: Guyot-pruned espalier

Plant density: 4,500 vines/ha

Harvest period: Early October

Vinification: In stainless steel with temperature control and automatic pumping over

Aging: 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels + 6 months in bottle

Aging on the lees: 60 days

Alcohol content: 14.5% vol

Unfiltered / Vegan / Without fining

Total acidity: 6.95 g/l

Residual sugars: 0.24 g/l

Dry extract: 30.50 g/l

pH: 3.44

Sulphites: 98 mg/l

Bottles produced: Approximately 1,800–2,000 per year

Serving temperature: 16–18°C

Recommended pairings for this wine

Its elegant structure, lively acidity and intense aromas of plum, blackberry, black cherry, spices and violet make it perfect for:

First courses with traditional meat sauces or ragù

Grilled or braised red meats

Light game such as pheasant or hare

Dark poultry (duck, guinea fowl)

Offal (livers, sweetbreads)

Rich risottos and baked dishes

Mature or raw milk cheeses

A wine with a unique personality, capable of aging beyond 2034, improving and refining its bouquet over time. Ideal for an important dinner or to enrich a prestigious cellar.