Oddero Barbera D'Asti Superiore Nizza 2015

This is 100% Barbera from Oddero's organically farmed vineyard in località Scrimaglio, Nizza Monferrato, at 250 meters above sea level with south-facing exposure. Vines range from 30 to 60 years old. Grapes are harvested by hand in late September and fermented with skin contact for approximately 15 days in stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in November.

Aging lasts 16 months in large oak casks of 40 to 65 hectoliters, with assemblage in spring and bottling in summer. The 2015 growing season in Piedmont was marked by the hottest July since 1880, offset by good water reserves from a wet winter and well-timed August rains that prevented drought stress. Barbera performed brilliantly that year, producing ripe, concentrated fruit with retained acidity.

The wine opens with a deep ruby color that acquires garnet highlights with age. The nose shows red fruit, bitter chocolate, and coffee, gaining spice and wilder herbal notes over time. On the palate it is dry and full-bodied, with Barbera's characteristically high acidity providing freshness and structure despite the generous fruit. The Nizza DOCG, which gained its own independent appellation in 2014, mandates 100% Barbera and requires a minimum of 18 months aging including six months in wood — positioning this bottling among Piedmont's most serious Barbera expressions.

Oddero has farmed its Barbera and Dolcetto vineyards organically, and the entire estate's organic program began in 2007, with certified organic status achieved progressively across all varietals.