Oddero Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2023

Poderi e Cantine Oddero is one of the historic family estates of Barolo, with winemaking roots in La Morra dating to the late 18th century. The family began bottling wines under its own name in 1878, while Giacomo Oddero modernized and expanded the estate during the 1950s. Today, the winery is managed by his daughter Mariacristina and the seventh generation, Isabella and Pietro, who continue the family’s commitment to traditional winemaking. The estate farms approximately 35 hectares across the Langhe and Asti regions, producing Barolo, Barbaresco and several other expressions of Piemonte’s indigenous grape varieties.

Oddero began adopting organic farming practices in 2008, and its nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto vineyards are now certified organic. The family avoids chemical herbicides, using mechanical weed control, natural ground cover and organic fertilizers to maintain soil health. The Barbera d’Alba Superiore comes from estate vineyards in La Morra and Castiglione Falletto, with south and southwest facing slopes situated approximately 230 to 280 meters above sea level. These hillside sites provide favorable conditions for ripening barbera while preserving the grape’s characteristic acidity and freshness.

The 2023 Barbera d’Alba Superiore is made entirely from barbera, with grapes carefully selected in the vineyard before fermentation. The wine undergoes approximately 10 to 15 days of fermentation and skin maceration in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. Élevage takes place for 16 months in large, 5,000 to 6,000 liter French oak casks before the wine is blended in spring and bottled in summer. The use of large oak casks allows the wine to develop structure and complexity without pronounced new oak flavors, preserving the richness of the fruit and barbera’s natural acidity.

The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum, accompanied by notes of pepper, almond and subtle earthy minerality. On the palate, generous dark fruit is balanced by vibrant acidity, supple tannins and a rounded texture. The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering notes of tart cherry, savory spice and mineral character.