Barbera D' Asti Superiore "Le Masche" 2023
Barbera ranks among Piedmont’s most prolific and lovable grape varieties. La Miraja’s bottling is a textbook example of Barbera from Asti, where the grape often produces its most complex expressions. Its fantasy name, “Le Masche,” recalls local spirits believed to be protectors of the vineyard. Their origins can be found in the Celtic and Lombard civilizations who once occupied the region now known as Piedmont. The “masche” were benevolent witches known for their herbal remedies and healing powers, though the term was also extended to describe the mischievous spirits and supernatural entities who lurked in the villages and the taverns of the area.
Stewed cherries and strawberry puree give the wine a nice coating mouthfeel. The fruit is broken up by tannins which pull out some notes of white pepper and spice characteristics from the oak it was aged in. If you want to get a little more fruit out of this wine, pair it with red meat, a hearty soup/stew or some real creamy cheeses.
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