At a glance

Producer

Pico Maccario

Region

Barbera d'Asti, Piemonte, Italy

Grape variety

Barbera

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Ripe red cherry and plum fruit, fresh red berries, hints of sweet spices and earthiness, balanced by bright acidity and smooth tannins.

Evolution: Evolves into more complex aroma layers with notes of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs around peak drinking age.

At peak: At peak, offers harmonious fruit, integrated oak, and a silky mouthfeel with balanced acidity and refined tannins.

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant acidity typical of Barbera

Tannins

Moderate, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

8-12 years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2024 to 2032

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Fruit-forward with developing complexity, good freshness and tannin structure

The 2022 vintage in Piemonte was generally very good, yielding wines with good concentration and fresher acidity. Barbera from Pico Maccario's Lavignone vineyard shows medium-bodied fruit intensity and structural balance, supporting an aging window that peaks 4-8 years after vintage, with continued evolution thereafter.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with traditional Italian fare such as pasta with tomato-based sauces, roasted pork, grilled vegetables, and medium-firm cheeses like Taleggio or Fontina.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To open the aromatics and soften moderate tannins, enhancing fruit expression

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Pico Maccario employs sustainable viticulture techniques such as soil preservation, minimal use of chemical treatments, energy-efficient winery processes, and water conservation.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, the producer's commitment to sustainable farming and energy conservation places the wine solidly above average in environmental impact within the region.