I owe this post to my brother, along with much of my best wine experiences, as he chose this wine from his shop in Tribeca NYC. Thanks Ben!
Today's tasting comes after a delightful week on holiday away form wine tasting. That is not to say that I have been idle in any way; quite the contrary, in fact. Being at home with my parents in the United States has afforded me the opportunity to try some incredible wines which are rare and difficult to find in the UK, and I have enjoyed this experience thoroughly. Hopefully this is not the condition for too long, as I should like to encounter Jarvis and Cakebread on a much more frequent basis. I have, however, encountered some fantastic italians as well. This post concerns one beautiful Barbera tasted amidst the storm of the year in the wild mountains of Pennsylvania.
From an enticing price range, which I call the 'sweet spot' (£15-20), where fine wine can be found at good prices, this beautiful example of a Barbera is one my brother brought to my attention form his wine shop in New York City. It certainly tickles my fancy for the classic Italian wine.
It is lovely and clear and the tears run down the glass to compliment the pale colour of this elegantly coloured wine. The aromas are of ripe red cherry with hints of flowers and a bit of Earl Grey Tea. It is surely fruity, but not unsubtle. It has that tinge of rusticity which I so crave in Italian wine and with it comes a delightful spice. The nose, however isn't overwhelming. Overall, it is pensive, persistent and intriguing.
The promises made by the nose are kept on the palate as those perfumed aromas become delicate fruit flavours of sour cherry and bergamot. If I were somewhat older (my dad loves the stuff), I'd say this wine has a somewhat Campari-like characteristic. Fortunately, unlike Campari, the finish is delighfully floral, gently tannic and just acidic enough to pair with the sensual Piemontese cuisine with which these grapes grew.
I am pleased to say that this classic wine checks all the boxes for me and gains all the appropriate marks. It is friendly and lively whilst retaining something of its modesty and intrigue. The cool-ish climate of La Morra is shown by these delicate fragrances and elegant flavours, exemplifying the virtues of Barbera. In this respect, this wine is a delight amongst Italian wine-making; a delicious drop in a vast sea.
I must, of course, give some context to the situation in which this wine was tasted. I was on holiday. With my loving family. My equally wine-loving brother. 15 of 29 first cousins and a Cat 4 Hurricane lashing our windows leaving us powerless for 3 days. Do you know what 3 days without power does to young children these days? They are stunningly bored! Indeed, t'was a unique scenario for a wine tasting. With all that family round, however, I can think of no better place for a welcome, warming glass of Barbera to warm the spirit. Overall, it was a welcome addition to a candle-lit meal with my beloved family.
Heres to family!
G
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