2021 Barbera

Tasting Notes

Barbera, a grape native to the rolling hills of Northern Italy, thrives in the Sierra Foothills, and particularly on our volcanic soil at our elevation of 2,700ft. The combination of warm days, cool nights, and rocky, steep hillsides allow us to make a rich, yet elegant wine that showcases notes of vanilla, cherry, and earth. Juicy, bright berry flavors fill the rich full-bodied mouth. Light tannins allow for a long soft finish.

Vineyard Notes

Planted on North-West facing hillside that opens to the vast American River canyon on the lower portion of Lava Cap's Estate vineyards, the Barbera is grown on some of our steepest and rockiest hillsides. The location receives ample warm afternoon sunlight, while reliable evening breezes from high in the Sierra Nevada Mountain cool the site. The rocky substrate helps rein in vigor, concentration the production of color and flavor. The combination of these environmental factors leads to a Barbera that showcases remarkable concentration of both color and aromas, without sacrificing this grapes signature acidity and brightness. A wonderful accompaniment to dinner, or on its own.

Winemaker Notes

One of the most enjoyable wines to make, and certainly one of the most under appreciated red wines in the world, the grapes always carry ample acidity, great color, and incredible aromatics. We ferment our Barbera at low temperatures over 2 weeks, after which it is pressed and racked to neutral French oak barrels. The wine receives one racking post ML before eventually being blended after 18 months of aging.