Barbera del Monferrato, Villa Sparina

The 2023 Barbera del Monferrato has a bright ruby‑red hue. Aromas feature ripe red berries, notably cherry and raspberry, with hints of floral and spice. On the palate, juicy raspberry and red‑fruit flavors dominate, balanced by the grape’s hallmark acidity and moderate tannins. It is medium-bodied with a finish that is smooth, fresh and persistent.

Villa Sparina makes two styles of Barbera: a barrique‑aged Rivalta and a younger DOC Barbera aged entirely in stainless steel. The 2023 Barbera del Monferrato is the latter style, with fermentation and aging in stainless steel to preserve the grape’s fresh fruit character.

Villa Sparina is an estate near the town of Gavi in southern Piedmont. The Moccagatta family converted an eighteenth‑century farmhouse into a winery in the 1970s and now runs a 200‑acre property with vineyards, an osteria and the boutique Ostelliere hotel. About three‑quarters of the estate is planted with Cortese [for its Gavi wines], but the Rivalta hillside vineyard is dedicated to Barbera. The wines are instantly recognizable thanks to the estate’s distinctive bottle shape, inspired by an antique vase found on the property.