Alba, Piedmont, Italy
At the northern edge of the Barolo zone, the Alessandria family has farmed the finest Verduno vineyard sites since 1870. Fratelli Alessandria’s 2018 Barbera glows with a vivid plum-ruby color alongside classic Barbera aromas of ripe plums, black cherry skin, menthol, and violets. Fleshy yet vibrant on the palate, Alessandria’s Barbera presents blackberry and wild cherry fruit accented by complex notes of licorice, anise, tobacco, and baking spices. Classic Barbera acidity buoys plump kernel of chewy black fruit and segues the wine to a long, lingering finish featuring fine tannins, black licorice, spicy cinnamon, and bay leaf. Delicious, balanced, and ready to drink, this “grand cru” Barbera is ready for your table tonight and over the coming five years served with hearty pastas, braises, pizza, marinated flank steak, and eggplant casseroles.
A September 2020 newsletter selection
