A wine with great qualitative potential and one of the finest expressions of Barbera
San Martino Alfieri – La Tota Barbera d’Asti DOCG is made from 100% Barbera grapes from vineyards with different ages, exposure, type of soil and clones, and is one of the best expressions of this iconic variety from Terre Alfieri. This land is where the UNESCO heritage sites of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato meet and where the prominent Marchesi Alfieri winery proudly stands.
The winemaking heritage of Marchesi Alfieri consists of historic vineyards that alternate with younger plants, for a total of 20 hectares of vineyards located in the municipality of San Martino Alfieri, over hills that have always been part of the property of the Alfieri di Sostegno family.
The grapes that yield La Tota Barbera d’Asti DOCG come from vineyards located on Quaglia, Calandrina, Sansoero and Vigna del Castello hills, the former being the closest to the cellars and the castle.
The grapes are harvested and vinified separately, vineyard by vineyard and parcel by parcel. The final blending exclusively takes place following malolactic fermentation.
«La Tota clearly embodies Marchesi Alfieri’s production philosophy, made of choices that aim to enhance the typical varietal expression of each grape. Being our most bottled wine, this is the label that, more than any other, expresses and spreads our values in Italy and in the world» – says Mario Olivero, Marchesi Alfieri’s enologist – «This Barbera resulted from the selection and blending of different vineyards. Aging in barrels, barriques and tonneaux then follow to enhance and define the qualitative potential of the grape of origin. This process allows the wine to be consumed immediately but to also refine for another 6-8 years after harvest».
The label is named after one of the most famous members of the Alfieri di Sostegno family: Adele Alfieri di Sostegno. The daughter of Carlo Alfieri and Giuseppina Benso di Cavour, she was fondly called “la Tota”, which means “unmarried woman” in Piedmontese dialect. Loved by the residents of San Martino for her generosity, Adele Alfieri did not wed and, instead, dedicated her life to philanthropic activities.
TASTING NOTES
Deep ruby red color with purple highlights. Intense, wine aroma with notes of cherry, ripe plum and light vanilla from the oak barrels. Full, dense, smooth flavor with balanced notes of spice, vanilla from the wood, and red fruit.
This is a wine that goes well with numerous dishes: pasta, red and white meats, medium matured non-blue cheeses.
Over the last 300 years, Marchesi Alfieri has been instrumental in building Piedmont’s traditional winemaking heritage. The company has protected and enhanced a rich agricultural landscape that perfectly embodies extraordinary wine denominations. The historic cellars produce exceptionally elegant wines including the iconic Alfiera, made from Barbera grapes grown in San Martino Alfieri, and La Tota, 100% Barbera from vineyards with different ages, exposure and soil. A timeless castle is home to good taste and a family that is naturally compelled towards hospitality.
Ufficio Stampa Well Com
Paola Chiapasco
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