Bersano Costalunga Barbera d'Asti

Bersano Costalunga Barbera d'Asti is a 750ml Barbera d'Asti DOCG Superiore red wine from Piedmont, Italy, bottled at 14% ABV. The 2020 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, underscoring its consistent quality within the Barbera category. Six months of oak aging earns this expression its Superiore designation — a meaningful step above standard Barbera d'Asti.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Piedmont, Italy  |  Barbera d'Asti DOCG Superiore  |  Producer: Bersano Vini S.P.A.

Production & Heritage

Bersano Vini S.P.A. is a historic Piedmontese winery with deep roots in the traditional winegrowing zones of Asti. The Costalunga bottling is made from 100% Barbera grapes and aged for a minimum of six months in oak — the threshold required to achieve the DOCG Superiore classification. This oak maturation period distinguishes the Costalunga from entry-level Barbera d'Asti wines, adding structural complexity and a layer of spice that unoaked versions lack.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with an abundance of ripe plum and macerated cherry, layered with floral accents and green herbs. Deeper inhales reveal baking spice, tobacco, and a distinctive eucalyptus note that adds aromatic lift.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with dark cherry and plum flavors coating the palate. At mid-palate, savory notes of thyme, bay leaf, and light leather emerge alongside smoky undertones. Bright acidity keeps the wine structured and lively despite its bold, rich body.

Finish: The finish is pleasantly persistent, with lingering cocoa, earthy spice, and residual dark fruit. A subtle smokiness and fine-grained tannins carry through cleanly.

How to Drink Costalunga Barbera

This wine shows its best character at cellar temperature — around 60–64°F (16–18°C) — poured into a generous red wine glass to let the aromatics develop. A brief 15–20 minutes of air after opening helps soften the oak-influenced tannins. The Costalunga's bright acidity and fruit density also make it a strong candidate for food-driven drinking rather than cocktail use.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinner pairings with pasta, pizza, or risotto
• Introducing someone to Piedmontese red wines beyond Barolo and Barbaresco
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates fruit-driven, medium- to full-bodied reds
• Building a diverse Italian wine collection at the DOCG Superiore level

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Costalunga Barbera taste like? It leads with ripe plum and macerated cherry flavors, supported by thyme, bay leaf, and light leather. The finish brings cocoa, earthy spice, and a smoky quality from its six months of oak aging.

How does Costalunga Barbera compare to Barbera d'Alba? Barbera d'Alba wines tend toward darker color, fuller body, and more intense tangy fruit, often aged in small French oak barriques for a bolder, rounder profile. The Costalunga Barbera d'Asti leans slightly more toward bright acidity and aromatic complexity, with a lighter oak footprint from its six-month maturation.

Is Costalunga Barbera good for everyday drinking? Yes — its approachable fruit character, balanced acidity, and moderate oak influence make it versatile enough for casual weeknight meals while still delivering the depth expected of a DOCG Superiore wine.

Where is Costalunga Barbera made? It is produced by Bersano Vini S.P.A. in the Asti province of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Barbera d'Asti DOCG appellation is one of Piedmont's most important zones for the Barbera grape.

What foods pair well with Costalunga Barbera? Tomato-based pasta dishes work naturally thanks to Barbera's high acidity. Grilled sausages and cured meats complement the smoky, spicy undertones. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino echo the wine's savory depth. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy finish, while roasted eggplant or bell peppers match its fruit intensity.

What sizes does Costalunga Barbera come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Costalunga Barbera worth the price? The Costalunga positions as a mid-range Barbera d'Asti — above basic, unoaked Barbera but well below prestige single-vineyard bottlings. Its Superiore DOCG classification and 91-point Wine Enthusiast score suggest strong value within the category, making it a reliable choice for those seeking quality Piedmontese red without premium pricing.

Why Costalunga Barbera?

The Superiore DOCG designation is not merely a label — it requires a minimum six months of oak aging that fundamentally separates this wine from everyday Barbera d'Asti. That oak contact introduces spice, cocoa, and structural tannins that standard versions simply do not possess. A 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast for the 2020 vintage validates the Costalunga as a consistent, well-made expression from one of Piedmont's established producers. For drinkers exploring Barbera beyond entry level, this bottling represents a logical and rewarding step up.