Ercole - Barbera del Monferrato 2023 (1L)

Price: $15.99

Sale Price: $12.97

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Producer	Ercole
Country	Italy
Region	Piedmont
Subregion	Monferrato
Varietal	Barbera
Vintage	2023
Sku	68243
Size	1L

 

You might be hard pressed to find a better liter-sized bottle of red wine at this price and quality. Ercole, whose English translation is Hercules, is only made possible by a generations-old cooperative of local growers in the Monferrato area. Small, independent cooperative wineries like this are not only the lifeblood of thousands of small growers across Italy but also repositories safeguarding the native grape varieties and winemaking traditions of their respective regions. The cooperative behind Ercole works predominantly with old vines ranging from 30 to 50 years old. All participating growers adhere to the European Union rule for sustainable farming known as lotta integrata, or lutte raisonnee (reasoned struggle), though many are now certified organic. Most experts have traced the origin of Barbera to the hills of Monferrato. In fact Monferrato’s most prestigious zones are dedicated to Barbera plantings. (The very opposite holds true in the Langhe, where Nebbiolo reigns supreme.) Typically planted to southern exposure, these vineyards yield wines of great depth and balance. This is a quintessential everyday red from Italy exhibiting fresh red cherry aromas, leading to a palate with snappy acidity and minimal tannins. Its medium body and juicy fruit flavors make it an ideal companion for pairing with tomato-based pasta dishes and, of course, pizza!