La Morandina Barbera d’Asti 2018

Description

La Morandina Barbera d’Asti 2018 is an organic Piedmont red wine bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by a family estate with more than three decades of certified organic farming, this vintage showcases the power and freshness that Barbera achieves in the hills surrounding Asti.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15% | Origin: Asti, Piedmont, Italy | Vintage: 2018 | Winery: La Morandina | Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC

Production & Heritage

La Morandina is a family-run estate in the Asti zone of Piedmont that has practiced strict organic viticulture for over 30 years, relying on sulfur- and copper-based treatments, manure, compost, and biological pest control rather than chemical pesticides. The estate collaborates with the University of Turin, where family member Albino has taught viticulture, and considerable research work is carried out in the vineyards. The wine is composed primarily of Barbera grapes at least 90% under DOC regulations sourced from the estate’s organically tended parcels, yielding a deeply concentrated, full-bodied expression of the variety.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe red fruit strawberry and raspberry before shifting into darker territory with sour cherry and black fruit. Earthy undertones and subtle oak add complexity beneath the fruit-driven top notes.

Taste: The palate entry is bold and concentrated, with a deep ruby richness that belies the wine’s characteristically low tannin structure. Mid-palate, bracing high acidity cuts through the fruit weight, delivering flavors of sour cherry and raspberry with an earthy, slightly savory undercurrent. The 15% ABV provides warmth and body without tipping into heaviness.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering red fruit acidity and a gentle earthy fade. Over time, a slightly feral, forest-floor quality can emerge as the wine develops in bottle.

How to Drink La Morandina Barbera

At 15% ABV, this Barbera benefits from 2030 minutes of decanting to open up its concentrated fruit and soften its initial power; serve at cool room temperature, around 1618C. Given its high acidity and bold fruit, it pairs naturally with rich Italian dishes pour it alongside braised short ribs, where its acidity slices through the fat; with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, whose umami complements the wine’s earthy depth; or with a classic Piemontese tajarin al rag, where the egg-rich pasta and meat sauce mirror the wine’s weight and savory character.

Best For

• Italian wine dinners featuring Piemontese cuisine
• Gifting to a wine enthusiast who appreciates organic viticulture
• Building a Piedmont-focused cellar with short-to-medium-term aging potential
• Pairing with hearty autumn and winter meals centered on red meat or rich pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

What does La Morandina Barbera d’Asti 2018 taste like? It delivers bold, ripe flavors of sour cherry, strawberry, and raspberry supported by bracing acidity and earthy, lightly savory undertones. The low tannin and high acidity make it feel powerful yet fresh despite its 15% ABV.

How does La Morandina Barbera compare to La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore? La Spinetta’s Barbera d’Asti Superiore (C di Pian) is a DOCG-level wine that typically sees more concentrated oak aging and commands a higher price tier. La Morandina’s expression emphasizes purity of organic fruit and terroir-driven character at a more accessible position in the market.

Is La Morandina Barbera good for sipping on its own? Yes its combination of ripe fruit intensity, high natural acidity, and low tannin makes it an engaging wine to drink on its own, particularly after a short decant to let the aromatics fully develop.

Where is La Morandina Barbera made? La Morandina is located in the Asti wine zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The estate farms its vineyards organically and conducts viticultural research in collaboration with the University of Turin.

What foods pair well with La Morandina Barbera? Braised meats such as ossobuco or short ribs work well because the wine’s acidity balances rich fat. Aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano complement its earthy notes. Mushroom risotto mirrors the savory, forest-floor qualities. Tomato-based pasta sauces harmonize with Barbera’s natural acidity. Grilled sausages and polenta match the wine’s robust body.

What sizes does La Morandina Barbera come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is La Morandina Barbera worth the price? La Morandina positions as a mid-range Barbera d’Asti that punches above its weight thanks to over 30 years of organic vineyard management and university-backed viticultural research, offering serious depth for the category.

Why La Morandina Barbera?

What separates this wine from the crowded Barbera d’Asti field is the estate’s three-decade commitment to organic farming long before organic certification became a market differentiator. The collaboration with the University of Turin means the vines receive both traditional care and modern research-informed attention, resulting in grapes of unusual concentration and balance. The 2018 vintage, a warm year in Piedmont, pushed the ABV to a robust 15%, yet the hallmark Barbera acidity keeps the wine lively and food-friendly. For drinkers seeking an authentic, estate-grown Piedmont red rooted in organic principles, this bottling stands as a credible and rewarding choice.