Barboursville Barbera Reserva Virginia 2022

In an area destined by history to viticulture, in 1976 Gianni Zonin realized the dream that belonged to Thomas Jefferson, the third American president, giving life to a large vineyard estate on the East Coast which covers an area of 500 hectares, 90 of which are vineyards.

This wine of Piemonte, Italy, has long been a strong favorite in our list, for varietal expression and its adaptability to a broad range of possible culinary pairings. It is also the favorite discovery in red wines, for palates previously tending toward whites, and with any requirement of avoiding bold tannins. Barbera refreshes the dining experience of everyone.

Cellar life 5 yrs. The growing season opened in late March on a note of suspense, with early bud break and threats of frost, which were mitigated by wind machines. Perfectly timed spring rains then allowed for a superior bloom of the clusters in early June. Beginning in early July we received 7 weeks of ideally warm and dry weather. Manual watering took place in some parcels with low water retention, and in mid-August we received needed rain. Harvest took place at optimal ripening times for each vineyard sector between August 14th and September 21st. Overall, 2021 endowed us with some of the most admirably balanced wines we have produced, reminiscent of the elegance we saw in Octagon 2009, which brought us our 4th Governor’s Cup.

Elegantly earthy, with raspberry and vivid cherry notes. Medium bodied with well integrated tannins and lively acidity. Very typical of our style and terroir.