This is a classic 100% Barbera from the Asti DOCG in the foothills of the Alps, in Piemonte, Italy. The wine is intriguing and surprisingly balanced – at only one year of age – like an adolescent who shows advanced maturity, promise, and (wine) character. The wine is ruby red in color, with fresh red fruit on the nose, and savory, peppery, and smoky notes on the palate.
What’s most surprising to me is the complexity and intensity of this wine, given its brief aging on 100 percent stainless steel. This is an excellent medium-bodied with a long finish and, best of all, only 13% alcohol.
Of course, many northern Italian wines have reasonable amounts of alcohol, making them suitable for food pairing. This is an easy pairing tonight – just add a homemade eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and sausages for a classic Italian repast. Buon Appetito!
Note: this wine was reviewed by a two-person panel, including myself and Ken Collura – Somm at Large – and former Wine Direct/Somm at Burns Steakhouse in Tampa and Andina in Portland.