Fratelli Ponte Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG, Piedmont, Italy

Dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and warm baking spice rise from the glass with a classic Barbera vibrancy and depth. Fratelli Ponte Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG reflects the long-standing Barbera tradition of the Ponte family, combining carefully selected fruit from their vineyards with a label illustrated by the renowned Italian artist and distiller Romano Levi in the year 2000. The wine stands as a continuation of a generational commitment to expressive Barbera that honors both heritage and craftsmanship.

Product Details:

• Variety: Barbera
  
• Alcohol: 14%
  
• Winemaker: Ivan Ponte (3rd Generation)
• Vineyard Manager: Renato Ponte (3rd Generation)
• Farming: Manual harvest, guyot-trained vines with a maximum yield of 9 tons per hectare
  
• Soil Type: Calcareous and chalky soils
• Harvest: Hand-picked grapes, typically early October
  
• Fermentation: Stainless steel fermentation with temperature control at 26 to 28°C for 10 to 15 days with skin maceration
  
• Aging: Minimum 12 months in oak barrels with additional bottle maturation

Sensory Description:

Brilliant ruby in the glass, the wine opens with layered aromas of black cherry, red currant, and dark berry fruit accented by sweet wood spice. On the palate, Barbera’s hallmark freshness is evident through its lively acidity and generous fruit core of cherry, raspberry, and plum. The texture is medium-full to full-bodied, supported by subtle notes of vanilla and spice from oak maturation. The balance between ripe fruit, crisp structure, and gentle oak influence creates a complex and food-friendly expression that remains vibrant and persistent through the finish.

Winemaker’s Background:

Fratelli Ponte is a family-run winery whose story spans multiple generations of winemaking in the hills of Asti. The modern chapter began after World War II, when Carlo Ponte built a small cellar to vinify fruit from his Barbera vines at Bricco Ronchesio. His son Giuseppe continued that legacy, expanding the vineyards and constructing a new cellar in 1968 with the support of his wife Giovanna. Today, the third generation of the family continues the work. Brothers Massimo, Ivan, and Renato remain closely involved in every aspect of the estate, from vineyard management to cellar operations and presenting the wines to enthusiasts around the world. Their shared dedication preserves both the culture and craftsmanship that define the Ponte family’s identity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16 to 18°C in a large red wine glass to allow the aromatics to develop fully. The wine’s bright acidity and generous body make it an excellent companion for beef, lamb, roasted meats, hearty pasta dishes, truffle-accented cuisine, game, and aged cheeses.