Barbera d’Alba DOC 2023 · MAGNUM

Az. Agr. Sandrone Luciano | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Sandrone Luciano | Via Pugnane 4 | IT 12060 Barolo

05173223 · 1,5 l · 39,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

When Luciano Sandrone bought his first vineyard in Cannubi Boschis in 1977 – financed with all his savings – and vinified the first bottle in his parents' garage a year later, nobody could have guessed that this humble beginning would grow into one of Barolo's most iconic wineries. After his death in 2024, daughter Barbara, brother Luca as Oenologist and wife Mariuccia continue the legacy today: 27 hectares between Langa and Roero, six wines of uncompromising quality that combine tradition and modernity in equal measure. The Barbera d'Alba, vinified from grapes from various plots in Monforte d'Alba and Novello, is more than just an accompanying wine – it is a statement that Sandrone devotes the same attention to each grape variety as he does to his legendary Barolo.

The Barbera vines thrive on the marly soils of the Langa, where the variety has been native since the 19th century and competes with Nebbiolo for the best sites in the sunniest locations. Each parcel is harvested and vinified separately by hand in order to preserve the individual character of each terroir. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with wild yeasts in open stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and 15 months of ageing in French Liters tonnaux, a good proportion of which are new. This balance of traditional vinification and moderate contact with wood gives the wine structure and complexity without masking the typical fruitiness and freshness of the Barbera grape.

On the nose, aromas of blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant mingle with notes of violet, dried orange peel, cocoa and a hint of toasted oak. The generous vitality is evident on the palate: full-bodied and textured with the lively, crisp acidity that gives the variety its characteristic freshness. Juicy black stone fruit and raspberries envelop the palate, accompanied by spicy notes and a fine tannin structure that gives the wine stability. The final is long on the palate with hints of wood, minerality and a lasting impression of ripe dark fruit. An elegant, powerful Barbera d'Alba that still embodies Luciano's vision of quality without compromise and proves that this Piedmontese grape variety can mature to extraordinary greatness in the right hands. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe blackberries and blueberries on the nose, with a hint of violets and cloves in the background. Well-balanced on the palate, with fine tannins and a juicy final." Falstaff

"Sandrone's 2023 Barbera d'Alba is infused with super-ripe red fruit, cedar, mint, rose petals, cinnamon, mocha and lavender. Aromatic and light-footed, with beautiful fruit, the 2023 is a real charmer. Floral and spicy notes prolong the finish." Vinous

"A Barbera with weight, this offers black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit, shaded with earth and an oak spice hint. Rich, juicy and firmly structured, with dense, pliable tannins leaving a grip on the lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Luciano Sandrone 2023 Barbera d'Alba opens with a beautifully saturated colour and a soft, velvety texture. Pressed blackberries and plums are replaced by fresh acidity and a medium-bodied texture. This vintage remains ripe, but the fruit is balanced." Wine Advocate

"Vinous and buttery aromas of bright red cherries and flowers. Full-bodied, it shows weight and density with supple fruit, bright black cherry flavours, lifted acidity and ripe, velvety tannins." James Suckling

"Pure joy in liquid form. Vibrant blueberries and wild blackberries burst from the glass with surprising elegance. The palate shows remarkable freshness and energy, dancing between ripe fruit and subtle spice notes while maintaining perfect balance. A wine offering both intellectual interest and pure drinking pleasure. The kind of bottle that disappears too quickly at the dinner table." Wine Enthusiast