2023 Ruggeri Corsini - Barbera d'Alba (750ml)

Named after the ancient Corsini family and the small stone cottage (podere) on the property, this boutique estate was launched in 1995 by Loredana Addari and Nicola Argamante. Both quit their corporate agricultural careers, earned specialized degrees in enology, and invested their life savings into a small plot of vines in Monforte d’Alba—one of the most prestigious, power-yielding sub-zones in the Langhe hills of Piedmont.

While Barbera is often treated as an afterthought compared to the region's expensive Nebbiolo, the husband-and-wife duo treat it with absolute grand-cru respect. The fruit is sourced from estate-owned plots rooted in ancient clay-marl and limestone-rich soils. To preserve the grape's signature, joyous fruit profile, the wine was fermented cool entirely in stainless steel tanks and aged without any heavy, masking new oak flavors. The 2023 vintage is an absolute triumph of varietal typicity, showing off the grape's famous "low-tannin, high-acid" blueprint that makes it one of the absolute greatest food-pairing red wines on earth.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Forward, juicy, and highly expressive. The wine pours a deep, opaque ruby color with brilliant violet edges. The nose immediately erupts with an intense, pure bouquet of black cherries, dark plums, and wild blackberries, seamlessly layered with pretty top notes of dried lavender, red roses, and a faint, savory hint of white pepper and damp earth.

• Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied, velvety, and exceptionally vibrant. On the first sip, it hits the palate with a plush, fleshy, and mouth-filling stream of dark stone fruits and boysenberry preserves. True to the variety, there is almost zero aggressive tannin gridlock; instead, a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural acidity completely slices through the rich fruit core, keeping the liquid tasting clean, focused, and athletic.

• Finish: Long, snappy, and entirely thirst-quenching. It slides into an integrated close where the dense fruit recedes gracefully to reveal a persistent splash of lemon-pith acidity, a touch of dark chocolate, and a final, subtle mineral dryness that leaves the palate feeling refreshed.

Wine Specifications

Serving Tip: Because this Barbera is crafted in a completely fresh, unoaked style, it is built for immediate drinking pleasure. Give it 15 minutes of air in the glass to allow the beautiful floral and cherry aromatics to fully blossom. To emphasize its snappy, refreshing quality, serve it slightly cool at a cellar temperature of 58–62°F in a standard white or red wine glass.

Best Food Pairings

Thanks to its soaring natural acidity, dark fruit core, and remarkably soft tannins, this Barbera cuts through rich animal fats, butter, and tomato-based sauces flawlessly:

• The Piedmont Classic: Traditional tajarin or agnolotti pasta tossed in a rich butter-sage sauce or a slow-simmered veal ragù.

• Everyday Favorites: Authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, meat-stuffed cannelloni, or a rich lasagna loaded with cheeses.

• Savory Meats: Pan-roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction, herb-crusted pork loin, or grilled sausage skewers.

• Aperitivo & Tapas: Cured meats like prosciutto and salami, accompanied by semi-hard cheeses like Fontina, young Gouda, or mild cheddars.