Castello di Perno 2021 Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Out of stock
Grape Varietal: Barbera
Country: Italy
Region: Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Piedmont
The Wine: Castello di Perno is the historic estate of Gregorio Gitti, centered on a medieval castle in the village of Perno in the heart of the Langhe — once home to the Einaudi publishing house and a gathering place for Italian writers and intellectuals, including Primo Levi.
The winemaking project is self-described as neoclassical: rooted in the traditions and terroir of the Langhe while seeking contemporary precision and expression.
The grapes are sourced from old vines — between 65 and 80 years of age — grown in the Bricco di Nizza sub-area near Nizza Monferrato at around 300 meters elevation. Vinification begins with destemming, 48 hours of cold maceration, and spontaneous fermentation with 20 days of skin contact at controlled temperatures. The wine then ages nine months in stainless steel with a brief passage in concrete before at least six months of bottle rest. No oak contact.
Castello di Perno 2021 Barbera d'Asti is a taut, pure-fruited expression of old-vine Barbera at cooler elevation. It opens with aromas of dark plum, dried cherry, and ivy, lifted by a thread of ink and iron. On the palate, it is medium-full bodied with the variety's characteristically high acidity keeping everything lively, soft tannins, and a finish of dark fruit, cocoa, and dry minerality that closes cleanly and long.
Pairing: Tajarin with a simple Piedmontese meat ragù, a braised pork shoulder with roasted peppers and olives, a wedge of aged Castelmagno with local honey, or a weeknight dinner where someone has opened the wine an hour early and the whole apartment smells simmering food and welcoming atmosphere.
