Umberta (2020)

About this wine

The 2020 Iuli 'Umberta' Barbera from Piedmont, Italy, offers a delightful expression of the Barbera grape. On the nose, it presents inviting aromas of black raspberry, red licorice, violets, and Italian plum. The palate is greeted with juicy dark fruit flavors, complemented by a lively acidity that adds freshness. Aged in concrete vats, this wine maintains its pure fruit character and showcases the limestone-rich soils of the Monferrato region. The finish is smooth, with gentle tannins and a touch of floral notes, making it an easy-drinking yet complex wine.

About the grape

Barbera is a red grape variety that has been cultivated in Italy's Piedmont region since at least the 13th century. Known for its deep color, full body, and high acidity, Barbera thrives in the calcareous soils of Monferrato, where the 2020 Iuli Barbera Umberto is produced. The grape's adaptability and resilience have made it a staple in Piedmontese viticulture, contributing to the region's rich winemaking heritage.

Quick facts

• 🏡 The 'Umberta' Barbera is crafted by Fabrizio Iuli, the sole winemaker in the tiny town of Montaldo di Cerrina, which has a population of just 92 people.
• 🍇 Fabrizio Iuli refers to himself as a 'barberista' due to his deep dedication to the Barbera grape, focusing exclusively on this varietal in his vineyards.
• 🌱 The vineyards are certified organic, and the wines are produced using native yeasts, with minimal sulfur added, and are bottled unfined and unfiltered.
• 🍷 The 'Umberta' Barbera is aged in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine's fresh and vibrant fruit flavors without the influence of oak.
• 👑 The name 'Umberta' pays homage to King Umberto I of Italy, reflecting the wine's deep roots in Italian history and culture.

Palate profile

Producer

Iuli is a family-owned winery located in Montaldo di Cerrina, a small village in the Monferrato region of Piedmont, Italy. The estate spans approximately 43 hectares, with 14 hectares dedicated to vineyards, and has been in the Iuli family for four generations. The vineyards are cultivated organically, adhering to biodynamic principles, and have never been exposed to chemicals, creating a unique toxin-free environment. Winemaker Fabrizio Iuli, who refers to himself as a 'Barberista' due to his dedication to the Barbera grape, has also focused on reviving nearly extinct native varieties such as Slarina and Baratuciat. The wines are produced using natural yeasts, with no fining or filtering, and minimal sulfur dioxide, reflecting a commitment to low-intervention winemaking.