2021 BARBERA, Rancho Victoria
Our 2021 Barbera is a classic Italian varietal with plush aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, and pomegranate complemented by bittersweet chocolate and nutmeg. Barbera is the third most planted red grape in Italy, where winemakers have relied on it since the 13th century to produce robust wines that age beautifully.
Mix and Match your purchase.
10% CASE (12 btl.) DISCOUNT APPLIED AT CHECKOUT.
ACCOLADES
• 93 Points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
"This rich and handsomely oaked wine offers a wide range of spices and ripe black fruits on a velvety, inviting texture. Light wood smoke, cloves, leather and tobacco aromas meet dark plum, cassis and dark-chocolate flavors. Moderate tannins add good structure."
*Limited Production*
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
95% Barbera, 5% Merlot
Appellation
Sierra Foothills
Harvest Date
September 27, 2021
Acid
6.5 g/L
pH
3.54
Aging
18 months in French oak barrels, 35% new oak
Fermentation
Malolactic Fermentation
Bottling Date
June 9, 2023
Residual Sugar
DRY
Alcohol %
15.2
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Plush aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, and pomegranate are complemented by hints of bittersweet chocolate and toasted sage in this enticing single vineyard wine. Beautifully balanced with bright acidity, the wine exhibits notes of boysenberry and vanilla bean on the palate leading to a silky finish.
Production Notes
Fabulous quality, small yields and limited production from 2021.”
The 2021 Napa Valley grape harvest set new records for early maturity and reduced yields across all varieties in Na-pa. Extremely low rainfall in the winter and spring had growers struggling to manage water status and low vine vigor. Smaller canopies, short shoots and low yields have produced massive flavors and beautiful aromatics in the wines.
Reservoirs were low, and decisions about irrigating the vines were a challenge. The vines struggled but, in the end, pulled through for exceptional quality. Different parts of the Valley showed differences in sugar accumulation, and early the harvest was fully ripe. The warm, dry summer was followed by a relatively cool August, allowing the vines to develop intense flavors and color in the grapes. Small berries, tiny clusters, and uniform ripening is evident in the fabulous wines from the vintage. Great acidity and fragrance in the white wines and moderate tannins and rich flavors show in the red wines.
Winemaker Notes
Barbera is the third most planted red grape in Italy, where winemakers have relied on it since the 13th century to produce robust wines that age beautifully.
Food Pairing Notes
A classic Italian varietal wine to pair with rigatoni with fresh tomato sauce and ricotta, butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sage sauce, and chicken marsala. Barbera shines particularly bright because its high acidity complements the acidity of tomato-based sauces, creating a harmonious pairing. They offer good acidity, low tannins, and a fruit-forward profile that embraces the flavors of pizza rather than overpowering them.
Production
Limited Production