# Barbera del Monferrato (La Smilla)

> Red, Barbera del Monferrato DOC by [La Smilla](https://ilvinobello.com/wineries/la-smilla.md), Gavi, Piemonte, Italy. From Il Vino Bello (https://ilvinobello.com/wines/la-smilla-barbera-del-monferrato).

- **Producer:** La Smilla
- **Style:** Red
- **Denomination:** Barbera del Monferrato DOC
- **Grape:** Barbera 100%
- **Production area:** The typical white soils of the area
- **Soil:** Clay
- **Exposure:** South-West, 270 m a.s.l.
- **Harvest:** Early October, hand-picked in crates with selection of the best bunches
- **Vineyard planting:** Guyot, vines 25 years old on average, 60 quintals per hectare
- **Vinification:** Traditional skin maceration with frequent pump-overs in the first days, about two weeks at natural temperature; stainless steel and cement; 15 days of fermentation; malolactic fermentation done; 12 months in barriques; bottled 15 months after harvest, 120 days in bottle, released after about 24 months; 13% vol; first vintage 1998
- **Serving temperature:** 16-18 °C
- **Storage:** Drink within 48 to 60 months; its complexity is already there after two years and grows over time
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-05



## Summary

Barbera from the typical white soils of the area, with a genuine aroma and straightforward character.

## Tasting notes

Ruby red with garnet reflections; vivid red colour. Red fruit with ethereal complexity on the nose. Tannic, full and slightly tart on the palate.

## Food pairings

Substantial main courses and game; also red meats and structured first courses