Alasia Langhe Nebbiolo DOC

Alasia Langhe Nebbiolo is produced from Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in the Langhe hills around the town of Alba in the Piemonte region. The vineyards have a south westerly aspect and are situated at altitudes between 200 and 300m above sea level. The vines have an average age of 30 years. Planting density is 4,000 to 4,500 vines per hectare and the soil is limestone-clay. Piemonte low Guyot trellis system is used. Grapes are typically hand harvested in early October. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 25 - 30 C; pressed when dry and transferred to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. The wine is then racked to a mixture of French oak barrels (40%) and large traditional Piedmont oak vats for 12 months maturation. Finally these two components are blended and bottled.

Araldica is Piemonte's most forward-thinking co-operative, situated in Castel Boglione, in the heart of Barbera d'Asti territory. Here they work with 230 grower members to source quality grapes from around 690ha of vineyards. Many of their members joined the co-operative in the 1950s and have a long and loyal relationship with the winery. They produce wines from Piemonte's main DOC / DOCG regions - predominantly Barbera, Gavi and Moscato, but also including Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero Arneis.

Founded in 1954 by Livio Manera, father of the current Managing Director and winemaker Claudio Manera, Araldica has developed over the past 60+ years to become a major winemaking force in Piemonte, supplying wines across the globe. Claudio's wife Lella heads up quality control at Araldica, where she is responsible for the blending and approval of all wines.

Their son Carlo, also a qualified winemaker, is now part of the Araldica winemaking team. Livio pioneered developments in winemaking techniques - especially with regard to the production of Barbera - and Araldica have since continued to be instrumental in the distribution of Barbera and Gavi within the UK market and internationally. As Claudio states their aim is "...to provide a range that is both understandable and accessible. Quite simply, wine for drinking and enjoying."