STRADIVARIO BARBERA D'ASTI DOC SUPERIORE It was no accident that the name of the most celebrated violin in the world was adopted for a wine in the context of the light-hearted, but well-founded theory that particular sounds accompany particular tastes during concerts in the winery. Stradivario is a Barbera grown in Cocconato, the highest hills of what is called the "Basso Monferrato" region. Asti has always produced big, full-bodied red wines, even using the Nebbiolo grape. The Bava family, with its deep-rooted origins in this part of the world, has always looked after the oldest vineyards and replanted vineyards on the best slopes with the aim of producing long-lived reds with lots of concentration and colour. To reach this objective Stradivario is produced only in the best years. Stradivario is one of those "flagship wines" that in the last decade has repositioned Barbera as one of the great wines of the world. According to Decanter Magazine it is a highly recommended wine.   Area/Vineyard: Vigneto Gura in the village of Cocconato d'Asti. Planted in 1952.     Varietals: 100 % Barbera.     Alcohol: 13,5%     Vinification: after a long staying on its skins it is fermented at controlled temperature. Bottled unfiltered. It is aged 1 year in new French barrique and 1 year in bottle.     Characteristics: the colour is deep ruby red On the nose it reveals toasty new oak intertwined with ripe black-cherry, vanilla and spices. Full-bodied and concentrated, this wine is long, velvety and very elegant. Firm acidity suggests that it will develop well. The wine is still very young and a touch on the tannic side; definitely one to set aside in a quiet place for several years to let all the luscious flavours knit together.     Recommended with: red meats, game, aged cheese.     Recommended music: "Adagio for strings" of Samuel Barber; anyway a "Largo".