Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba: Fresh, Fruity and Outstanding Value
Posted on August 20, 2020 by don
The Barbera grape variety is high yielding, relatively easy to grow, and makes fresh tasting fruity, high acid wines. Thought to have originated in Italy’s Piedmont region, today it’s grown throughout the world. However, it’s still mostly grown in Italy where the best Barbera comes from the Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba appellations. While it doesn’t have the lofty reputation (and price) of the Nebbiolos grown in Barolo and Barbaresco, Barbera offers excellent value. And when grown with reduced yields and fermented and matured in barriques it can produce a wine of considerable depth and complexity. In this article, we review several Barberas from the Piedmont, ranging in style from light and fruity to dark and layered. In general, they offer excellent value and beautiful pairing with the lighter cuisine that is becoming increasingly popular.
The Wines
Abbona 2018 Rinaldi Barbera d’Alba ($25) 90 Dark ruby. Bright dark plum, dried plum, cherry and huckleberry show on the nose and palate. Medium weight with ripe fruit, good balancing acidity, and a medium long finish. Rather high alcohol. 15% alc. Importer: Regal Wine Imports
Andrea Oberto 2018 Barbera d’Alba ($20) 90 Dark ruby. Dark red fruit with prominent savory notes show on the nose. Nicely balanced on a fresh, clean, medium weight palate. Lovely red fruit flavors, easy drinking, and a long finish. 14.5% alc. Importer: Regal Wine Imports
Punset 2018 Barbera d’Alba ($18) 90 The Punset Barbera d’Alba offers pure plum and red berry fruit on a tangy, clean palate. While light bodied, this is a well made and balanced wine with good concentration and a firm structure. There’s a touch of astringency on the finish. 14% alc. Importer: Regal Wine Imports
Tibaldi 2018 Barbera d’Alba ($22) 89 Dark ruby. Lovely sweet red plum and cherry scents introduce this fresh, vibrant Barbera. The attack is bright with a dry mid-palate, noteworthy red fruit and a firmly tannic, long finish. An attractive, fairy priced Barbera d’Alba. 14.5% alc. Importer: Regal Wine Imports
