Bera Barbera d'Alba La Lena 2012

Valter Bera’s family have been growing grapes in the village of Neviglie for over a century, selling grapes to other firms for many years. Valter joined the winery in 1979 after graduating from the Enological School of Alba and began bottling Moscato, Brachetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo under the Bera name.

Neviglie is a small village of 400 people located just a few kilometers south of Barbaresco and is home to the Bera family. The family owns and farms 56 acres in Neviglie as well as vineyards in the nearby Asti and Barbaresco areas to produce a broad range of wines.

La Lena is a single vineyard Barbera from the village of Neviglie. The name "La Lena" comes from the grandmother and sister of the owner Valter Bera, both of whom are named Elena. The vineyard was planted in 1972 and features calcareous clay loam soil. The wine is aged for one year in used French barrique.

Tasting Notes

Barbera is typified by its deep color, moderate acidity and its bright cherry fruit flavor. The vineyard’s clay loam soil gives La Lena added fragrance as well as a mineral backbone to its rich fruit profile. Barrique aging provides added weight and structure and just a hint of vanilla on the finish.

Food Pairing

Barbera’s rich fruit character and relatively soft profile make it a popular “go to” wine for the table. Barbera’s moderate levels of tannin and acidity make it versatile enough to pair with grilled dark fish and stews, while mushroom risotto, braised meats, and roasted poultry are considered classic partners.