Lo Zoccolaio Barbera d'Alba Sucule 2019

Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving.

Traditionally winemakers in Italy’s Langhe region would plant a large tree in their courtyard to provide shade during the hot summer months. This boutique winery in Barolo is actually named after their unusual double-trunked white poplar tree which is reminiscent of the symmetrical tree of life in Jewish and Indian mythology.

Lo Zoccolaio has 75 acres of vineyards predominantly planted on the prized Boschetti hill in Barolo as well as Monforte, Novello and Verduno. As well as their excellent Barolo wines, the estate also produces delicious and easy-going Barbera d’Alba like this example. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness from their Monforte vineyards with careful destemming before the pressing. The must is then fermented on the skins for 10 days and the young wine ages in small French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling.

Classic Barbera notes define the nose with plenty of bright red cherry, redcurrants and hints of ripe strawberries. On the palate there’s a rich, well-rounded texture, medium body, and long finish with rich berry notes and hints of dried herbs, earth, and spiced oak. A youthful and intense red with plenty of energy, this is a great wine to serve alongside a generous sharing platter of charcuterie and cheeses or fresh pasta served with a tomato-based sauce.