Alba, Piedmont, Italy
Michelangelo Pasquero and Annette Hilberg have established their domaine in Piedmont’s Roero district based on biodynamic principles, where tasks are performed based on the phases of the moon, eschewing pesticides and herbicides in the vineyard, fermenting with natural yeasts, and adding no sulfites during the winemaking. The duo’s 100% Barbera 29.5 Vino Rosso – named for the duration of the lunar cycle – opens with an opaque violet ruby color segueing to high-toned aromas of blackberries, violets, leather, cinnamon, and dark tobacco. Showing Piedmont’s sensational 2016 elegance, the wine’s gentle tannins buttress a gorgeously pure kernel of tart blackberry and black currant fruit complemented by complex hints of tar, leather, tobacco, licorice, and lavender. Delicious now with carne cruda, grilled hanger steak, oven-roasted root vegetables, egg-rich pastas, grilled pork, and myriad risottos, Hilberg-Pasquero’s 29.5 Rosso will also cellar well for two to five years.
Biodynamically Farmed
A January 2021 newsletter selection
