'l Clumbé Barbera d'Asti (2004)

About this wine

The 2004 Clumbé Barbera d'Asti from Vivalda Massimiliano offers a bright ruby color and an inviting aroma of fresh cherries and raspberries. On the palate, it delivers juicy red fruit flavors, complemented by a refreshing acidity that is characteristic of the Barbera grape. The wine's smooth tannins provide a balanced structure, leading to a clean and satisfying finish. This Barbera d'Asti is known for its versatility and approachability, making it a favorite among those who appreciate Italian reds. The 2004 vintage, in particular, showcases the grape's potential for producing wines that are both flavorful and easy to enjoy.

About the grape

Barbera is a red grape variety native to Italy's Piedmont region, particularly the Monferrato hills, with records dating back to the 13th century. Known for its deep color, high acidity, and low tannins, Barbera has been a staple in Italian winemaking for centuries. In the Barbera d'Asti region, this grape thrives on well-exposed hillsides, benefiting from the area's diverse soils and favorable climate. Over time, vintners have refined cultivation and winemaking techniques, such as aging in oak barrels, to enhance Barbera's complexity and aging potential.

Quick facts

• ⏳ This 2004 Il Clumbé has passed the two‑decade mark, so bottles can show mature, almost Burgundy‑like tertiary notes after about 22 years cellaring.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Il Clumbé is a signature bottling from the small family operation of Massimiliano and Simona Vivalda in Monferrato, made and marketed with a distinctly hands‑on, family ethos.
• 🎭 The Vivalda estate produces Barbera Il Clumbé in several styles ranging from lightly frizzante to a bottle‑aged Riserva, so the name represents a whole spectrum of barbera personalities rather than a single style.
• 🏅 The 2004 Il Clumbé earned praise in international press, receiving a solid score in Wine Enthusiast’s vintage reviews that helped raise the wine’s recognition outside Italy.
• 🔥 Compared with many classic Piedmont Barberas, Il Clumbé bottles are often relatively high‑alcohol (around 14%), which contributes to a richer, more concentrated mouthfeel in warm vintages like 2004.

Palate profile

Producer

Massimiliano Vivalda, after completing his wine-growing degree, established his own estate in 1992, building upon his family's viticultural heritage. Situated in the renowned Nizza Monferrato hills of Italy's Piedmont region, the estate spans 13 hectares dedicated to cultivating ancient grape varieties such as Barbera, Moscato, and Dolcetto. Massimiliano and his wife, Simona, personally oversee the vineyards, emphasizing sustainable practices and a deep respect for nature. Their commitment to quality is evident in their production of Nizza DOCG wines, crafted from vineyards with vines over 30, 50, and even 90 years old.