Villa Giada, Piemonte, Italy
Andrea Faccio’s Azienda Agricole Villa Giada not only continues to bring exquisite wines to the table from the classic grape varieties his family has grown in Italy’s Piedmont for more than two centuries, Faccio’s wines have become benchmarks for savvy international consumers in search of authentic Piedmontese wines. Located on land midway between Asti and Alba, the world’s foremost production zone for Barbera and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa Giada specializes in the making of handcrafted Barbera wines from single vineyards. With 25 hectares of vines located around several ancient farmhouses, Villa Giada’s aim is to fashion great wines from individual vineyards with unique terroirs – a goal that local cognoscenti and international wine critics alike agree Andrea Faccio consistently fulfills.
Villa Giada’s historical property dates to 1790, and the estate’s ancient farmhouses and winery remain in use today. The old part of the winery still plays host to the estate’s barriques (small oak barrels), which refine the classic Barbera wines that Andrea Faccio so adeptly crafts. In addition, Villa Giada also sports a modern winery that features stainless steel vats, temperature and pressure control equipment, and the latest technological accoutrements. In harmony with nature, Villa Giada sustainably fashions vegan-friendly wines that are both internationally appealing and traditional in character.
Although Barbera remains the flagship varietal at Villa Giada, this erudite estate also turns out small quantities of Piedmont’s other classic specialties, including Nebbiolo, several still whites from local varieties, and a lovely frizzante (lightly, naturally sparkling) Moscato d’Asti.
Villa Giada, Suri Barbera d'Asti
A juicy, succulent rendition of Piedmont’s classic variety, the 2022 Villa Giada Surì Barbera d’Asti DOCG (90 Points: Wine Enthusiast) expresses the sensuous side of Barbera and highlights the tender qualities of this classic red wine from Asti. Scented and savory, the 2022 Villa Giada Surì Barbera truly highlights Barbera d’Asti’s generosity of fruit and bright vivacious acidity. While sporting a rich, ruby robe, the 2022 Surì Barbera d’Asti offers the scents of blackberry, dark ripe cherries, and violets mingled with the scents of a rain-swept forest. In the mouth, it is generous and balanced with a full taste of bright Barbera fruit and spice ensconced in juicy tannins. Although ripe and ready to drink upon opening, it should continue to mature in bottle for several more years. For optimal enjoyment now, afford Andrea Faccio’s 2022 Surì Barbera 15-20 minutes of aeration before serving it at cool room temperature (58º-62º F). Aeration allows Barbera to reveal its ultimate charm and grace. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2027. Enjoy!