Barbera d’Asti superiore DOCG Boschetto Vecchio CRU 2020

Producer – Guasti Clemente

Guasti Clemente is a historic producer based in Nizza Monferrato, Piedmont. Clemente Guasti founded the winery in 1946.

The producer has a particularly important connection with Barbera. Clemente Guasti pioneered the idea of identifying wines according to the vineyard where the grapes grew. Moreover, he was among the early producers to highlight the concept of a Barbera cru.

Today, the winery continues to specialise in the great red wines of Piedmont. Boschetto Vecchio remains one of its important expressions of Barbera. The producer officially lists it as Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG.

Boschetto Vecchio Barbera d’Asti 2020

Boschetto Vecchio Barbera d’Asti 2019 is a single-vineyard expression of Barbera from Nizza Monferrato.

The grapes come from the estate’s Cascina Boschetto Vecchio vineyards. Therefore, this wine reflects a specific site rather than a broader regional blend.

The vineyards sit at approximately 200–280 metres above sea level. The team harvests the grapes by hand between late September and early October.

Grape Variety

100% Barbera

Barbera naturally offers excellent acidity and deep colour. At the same time, it generally has softer tannins than many other Piedmont varieties.

As a result, Boschetto Vecchio 2019 combines richness and structure with the freshness that defines high-quality Barbera.

Vinification & Maturation

The team harvests the grapes by hand. After destemming, the grapes remain in contact with their skins for approximately 10–12 days.

Next, the young wine continues through a slow fermentation process. Afterwards, the winery moves the wine into large oak casks for maturation.

Maturation: 18 months in oak casks. The producer confirms this ageing period for Boschetto Vecchio.

In addition, information for the 2020 release indicates at least eight months of bottle ageing before release.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Intense ruby red with developing garnet reflections.

Nose: Ripe cherry, plum, violet and sweet spice with subtle anise and earthy notes.

Palate: Dry and structured with juicy plum fruit and lively Barbera acidity.

Finish: Persistent and harmonious, with warm spice and a delicate earthy character.

The producer describes Boschetto Vecchio as broad and vinous on the nose. Moreover, it highlights the wine’s dry, harmonious palate and strong structure.

Wine Enthusiast also found sweet cherry, clove, cola, anise and violet in the 2019. On the palate, its review noted juicy plum, sweet-tea and baking-spice characteristics.

Food Pairings

Boschetto Vecchio Barbera d’Asti 2020 pairs particularly well with:

• Roast beef
• Braised beef
• Wild boar
• Venison
• Game
• Rich pasta dishes
• Roasted meats
• Mature cheeses

The producer particularly recommends the wine with substantial first courses, game and roasted meats.

Serve at approximately 18–20°C.

Style and Character

Boschetto Vecchio Barbera d’Asti 2020 shows the serious side of Barbera.

First, the old Piedmont tradition of vineyard selection gives the wine a clear identity. Meanwhile, 18 months in oak adds structure and complexity.

However, Barbera’s natural acidity keeps the palate fresh. Therefore, the wine remains lively despite its richness and maturity.

Furthermore, the 2019 vintage now has several years of bottle development. This gives the fruit and oak more time to integrate.

Overall, Guasti Clemente Boschetto Vecchio 2020 is a structured and mature Barbera d’Asti Superiore. It combines ripe fruit, spice, freshness and the character of its Nizza Monferrato vineyard.