Wine as much as you like

The sharp eyed and regular visitors to LinkedIn will already know that I lead a double life.  Technology and Wine, it seems to be one of the most desirable combinations (at least to my demographic and according to all those who "like" the updates posted here, or on facebook and twitter).

This week has been all about the grapes as it is harvest time in our vineyards here in Castelnuovo Belbo, in the heart of Piedmont, Italy.  Although I grow both white and red grapes my passion is red wine and along with my wife Ingrid, we make Barbera d'Asti DOCG from our hand reared vines. 

We have owned the farm and vineyards for almost 11 years now and have made wine every year since 2005.  It is safe to say that we have learn lots along the way and are pleased that our wine has improved with each vintage.  We have progressed from DOC to DOCG status and have received a number of awards for our wine. 

We call our wine "Piano Piano" which means "slowly slowly" and reflects the advice we received from our neighbours and friends as we learnt how to tend the vines and work the land.  Our primary market for our wine is the UK (ex-pat Brit's making great wine - try it, buy it) where it is both popular and well received.

What about this year's vintage?  With a long hot summer growing conditions were excellent and I predict great things for Piano Piano 2015, but you will have to wait at least 3 years before it is released.  We take great care with the slow nurturing of each vintage aiming for quality not quantity and at each stage of wine making we take the long way around to produce the best from what nature has given us.

This year we will finally be bottling our 2007 premium reserve.  2007 was the best harvest for many years (certainly the best in the 11 years we have been making wine) and we purchased as many Allier oak barrels as we could to make a magnificent Barbera d'Ast "superiore" to celebrate the best of occasions.  (Allier is a region of France, famous for it's barrel making oak. The barrels themselves are made by Piemontese master craftsman Gamba, at his workshop about 30 miles from us).

The 2007 premium reserve waiting list is now open, bottles will ship early next year.

Let me know if you would like more wine related posts.