MYSTERIUM & AUSTERUM: THE TM BARBERA
In Piedmont, in the province of Asti, since forever Barbera is synonymous of red wine.
A wine that, thanks to its constant evolution during the years, has been able to gain the most prestigious international wine guides mentions and to conquer the heart of the most passionate consumers.
The perseverance of the producers who believed in this “pop” grape and have constantly invested in vineyard and cellar, it has been prized. They make labels that exalt more and more the organoleptic traits of this grape and produce wines suitable for all palates, different and fine.
If we have a look to the territory of Asti area and its orographic features, made of sweet hills emerged from the sea of millions of years ago, we are looking at the Monferrato region. Here, the origin of this ancient vine, the Barbera, date back to the sixteenth century. Monferrato is an area full of unique oenological propositions, as unique are the views and the cultures of this site, that is UNESCO heritage since 2014.
Mysterium refines in barrels for 18 months. After the first malolactic fermentation, the wine is divided in 3 equal parts: 1/3 is poured in barriques of 225 lt of capacity, 1/3 in tonneaux of 500 lt. of capacity and 1/3 in big Slavonia barrels of 2500 lt of capacity. After this period, the wine refines at least for 6 months in bottle. Then, the time of aging of our Barbera d’Asti Superiore, before drinking is at least 24 months. The structure of Mysterium is so peculiar thanks to the balance given by the long refinement, by the tannins and by the malolactic refermentation. Indeed this Barbera has an incredible potential of aging so it could be great drinking the last vintage’s bottle but also compare it to the previous ones and set an unforgettable “vertical” tasting. We recommend to create a small cellar where you can carefully keep different vintages and then taste them after some time, even many years later. In so doing the organoleptic characteristics of Mysterium Barbera d’Asti Superiore, are expressed fully, in the glass, through the power, the fruit, the freshness and the important structure, the elegance, the mineral olfactory complexities given by the territory and to the elegant tannins given by the particular refinement in three types of woods with different toasts. Precisely from the complex spectrum of tastings and the ancient origins of its vineyards, derives the name Mysterium, to pay homage to a grape capable of surprising with its deep red color and reflections between the purple and the black. The bouquet has intense, hints of balsamic, with marked notes of cherry, licorice, cocoa. It covers the palate with warm and intense tones, with tannins present but never intrusive and with great aromatic persistency.
The vineyards of the Austerum, Barbera d’Asti DOCG, have an extension of 1.5 hectare, facing south, southwest and characterized by a soil made of calcareous clay with slightly silty marls and alkaline pH with considerable water retention. The average age of the vines is 25 years and they are now in the best moment for strength and elegance of expression. The grapes, after the manual harvest, give a wine that improves for 6 months in big Slavonia barrel of 2500 lt of capacity and then for 6 months in bottle. The yearly production counts 12.000 bottles. Austerum is a graceful, generous Barbera, classic and sincere, typical as this wine is, universally appreciated for its pleasant drink and for the versatility in combinations at the table. The intense red color with violet reflections introduces to an olfactory analysis where we find a powerful scent with notes of cherry, raspberry, currant and berries, while the palate is enveloped by a soft and velvety flavor with delicate notes of wild berries jam and with an intense spicy and licorice note in closure. The tannin is well balanced and gifts long persistency on the palate.
