E. Pira & Figli Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 2022

E. Pira & Figli Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 2022 comes from Chiara Boschis, the only woman among Piedmont's legendary Barolo Boys and a voice who helped redefine traditional winemaking in the region with shorter macerations and earlier-drinking styles. This Barbera d'Alba earns its Superiore designation through elevated farming and aging—the fruit is sourced from three organically farmed sites: the Mosconi and Ravera vineyards in Monforte d'Alba and the Gabutti vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, all planted on clay-limestone marl soils around 350 meters elevation. The 2022 vintage fermented and macerated in stainless steel before spending months in second and third-passage French oak barriques, a treatment that lends structure without obscuring the grape's natural brightness. Chiara Boschis runs E. Pira & Figli, a historic Piedmont estate in Barolo that has been in her family for generations. The Barbera plantings draw from three distinct parcels across Monforte d'Alba and Serralunga d'Alba, giving the wine a breadth of expression that reflects both villages' terroir. The clay-limestone marl soils impart tension and minerality, while the elevation keeps acidity sharp even in warm years. Fermentation and maceration happen in stainless steel to preserve the grape's violet-scented aromatics and tart red-fruit character, then the wine ages in neutral French oak barriques—second and third passage—to integrate tannin without adding new-wood sweetness. The result is a Barbera that balances ripeness and freshness, a hallmark of Boschis's approach to Piedmont reds. In the glass, the 2022 shows intense ruby red with violet reflections and a nose of red fruit laced with spice—violets, fresh blackberries, and sweet herbs come forward in a floral, perfumed wave. The palate carries crushed cassis and wild blackberry over a stony, mineral base, and the tart blackcurrant acidity cuts through the wine's 14.5% alcohol, keeping it bright and food-friendly. Tannins are long and fine, and the finish lingers on violet and red berry. Pair this with lamb ragu over fresh pappardelle, grilled sausages with mustard greens, or a board of aged Piedmont cheeses—the wine's acidity and structure make it a natural match for rich, savory dishes. It drinks well now but will hold for another three to five years. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.