Brovia, Barbera D'Alba Sori del Drago 2017

Brovia Barbera d’Alba Sori del Drago 2017 is a powerful yet refined expression of Barbera from the heart of Piemonte. Sourced from old vines in Castiglione Falletto, it marries vibrant acidity with deep, ripe fruit and a polished structure. Aged in large Slavonian oak for around 18 months, this cuvée showcases both the pedigree of the vineyard sites and the classic, understated Brovia style that has made the estate a benchmark in the region.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Sori del Drago 2017 shows a deep, luminous ruby core with violet reflections, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is inviting and layered, with aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and wild berries intertwined with violets, subtle spice, a touch of licorice and a faint whisper of dried herbs and earth. On the palate, this Barbera is medium to full-bodied, with the grape’s signature vivid acidity giving tension and lift to the ripe, dark fruit. Flavors of black cherry, plum and blackberry are framed by fine-grained tannins and well-integrated oak, offering notes of sweet spice and a gentle smokiness without overshadowing the fruit. The 2017 vintage’s warm conditions bring extra richness and density, yet the wine remains balanced, long and energetic on the finish. Already drinking beautifully, it has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully for another 6–10 years under proper cellaring, gaining more savory and tertiary complexity.

Production
The fruit for Sori del Drago comes from selected Barbera parcels in Castiglione Falletto, a commune better known for Barolo, where calcareous, clay-limestone soils and hillside exposures give naturally low yields and notable mineral tension. Brovia farms traditionally with low-intervention methods, favoring careful canopy management and strict green harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness and concentration. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard and cellar to preserve only the healthiest bunches. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks with a focus on maintaining freshness, followed by aging for around 18 months in large, neutral Slavonian oak botti. This approach avoids overt new oak influence, allowing the Barbera’s vibrant fruit and the Castiglione Falletto terroir to take center stage.

Food & Serving
This is an exceptionally food-friendly Barbera that shines alongside rich, savory cuisine. It pairs beautifully with game dishes, braised beef or veal, osso buco, slow-cooked lamb, hearty ragùs over tagliatelle, truffle-inflected dishes, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Taleggio. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Younger bottles benefit from 30–60 minutes in a decanter to allow the aromatics to open and the tannins to soften, especially in the concentrated 2017 vintage.

Producer
Founded in 1863, Brovia is one of Piemonte’s classic family estates, based in Castiglione Falletto at the very heart of the Barolo zone. Over generations, the Brovia family has earned a reputation for meticulous vineyard work and a traditional, terroir-driven style that highlights the nuances of their prized crus. While best known for their Barolo, Brovia also crafts exemplary Barberas that reflect the same commitment to low yields, careful farming and restrained oak use. Their wines are widely respected among collectors and sommeliers for their purity, longevity, and faithful expression of the Langhe’s great vineyards, making Sori del Drago a reference-point Barbera d’Alba in the region.

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