2022 Barbera
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Barbera highlights Washington State’s remarkable versatility in growing wine grapes from around the world. This vibrant, medium to full-bodied expression of the classic Italian grape opens with aromas of Maraschino cherry, fresh raspberry, and candied cassis. The palate unfolds with bright acidity and layers of pomegranate and blackberry jam, accented by hints of anise and toasted oak. Silky tannins and lively acidity lead to a graceful finish, marked by red berry nuances and evolving tertiary notes.
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2022 growing season in the Yakima Valley was marked by a cool spring and delayed bud break, followed by a burst of growth in mid-summer as temperatures finally rose. We carefully managed yields to ensure full ripeness. A warm, extended fall provided ideal hang time, with no frost events, resulting in excellent flavor development. Although harvest ran about three weeks later than usual, the vintage produced wines with ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and great aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
Harvested at peak ripeness in late September from our estate vineyard, the Barbera grapes were destemmed (but not crushed) and sorted using our optical sorter. With large berries, fleshy skins, and high juice content, Barbera requires a gentle approach – especially due to its naturally high acidity. Fermentation took place in small 2-ton fermenters with just two light punchdowns per day to ensure balanced extraction. Post-fermentation, the wine was gently pressed and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. Following malolactic conversion, the wine remained on its lees, stirred twice monthly for three months to enhance texture and roundness. Overall, it was aged for 22 months in French oak (45% in 1 and 2-year-old barrels and 55% in 3-year-old barrels), striking a balance between oak influence and the preservation of vibrant red fruit. This wine reflects our commitment to precise vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking, showcasing how beautifully Washington State expresses this classic Italian varietal.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
• Eggplant Parmesan with melted mozzarella and fresh basil
• Margherita pizza with heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata
• Creamy risotto with Italian sausage, fennel, and parmesan
• Grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic reduction and fresh thyme
• Stuffed bell peppers with rice, herbs, and garlic
- Varietal Composition: 100% Barbera
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 22 months in French oak (45% 1 to 2-year-old barrels, 55% 3-year-old barrels)
- Cases Produced: 154
- Alcohol: 14.2%
- pH: 3.29
- Acidity: 7.3 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2040, with optimal maturity expected in 2035.