Description
Giuseppe Mascarello Barbera d’Alba Scudetto 2018
From one of Barolo’s most traditional and uncompromising producers, the Scudetto is Barbera d’Alba treated with exactly the same seriousness that Mauro Mascarello brings to his legendary Monprivato Barolo. Ripe dark fruit – black cherry and wild berries – before moving into layers of undergrowth, damp earth, and subtle woody spice. There is a brooding quality balanced by varietal freshness that signals serious Barbera from mature vines. Decant for 30 minutes or so to allow its concentrated fruit and earthy complexity to open fully. It’s vibrant acidity and structure makes it an exceptional food wine – one for braised short ribs.
Bruno Giacosa Barbera d’Alba 2023
A really charming and vibrant Barbera by the ‘genius of Neive’. The Bruno Giacosa name needs no introduction in Piedmont – a domain that has defined the benchmark for Barolo and Barbaresco for generations, and the estate’s Barbera shows the same attention to detail that extends right through the entire range. The 2023 is bright, vibrant with dark cherry, wild blackberry, and a lifted violet freshness. There’s a warm, earthy Langhe character underneath that grounds everything beautifully, framing Barbera’s naturally plush texture and ripe tannins making it a thoroughly enjoyable glass of wine.
Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba ‘Vigna Francia’ 2022
From the same legendary Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba that produces Monfortino – one of the most celebrated wines in all of Italy – this Barbera is a remarkable demonstration of what great terroir does to even the most approachable of Piedmont’s red grapes. The 2022 is concentrated with dark cherry, blackcurrant, violet, and a cool mineral earthiness, with a complexity and depth that goes well beyond what Barbera typically delivers. The palate is full and richly textured with the variety’s pronounced acidity given shape and direction by the exceptional Francia soils, and a long, savory, iron-edged finish. For Risotto ai funghi.
Vietti Barbera d’Alba ‘Vigna Scarrone’ 2020
Scarrone is one of the Langhe’s most distinguished Barbera vineyards, a prized parcel in Castiglione Falletto that Vietti has been farming for decades. Lifted and very aromatic with macerated cherries, wild rose, crushed violet, and a warm spiced earthiness. Generously textured, with Barbera’s naturally vibrant acidity giving the wine real shape and energy. A Barbera of outstanding quality from one of Langhe’s most trusted and consistently outstanding producers. Try it with tagliatelle con salmone.
Paola Scavino Barbera d’Alba 2024
One of Piedmont’s most admired estates, – a domaine known for its combination of modern and traditional winemaking techniques. A fruit forward and fresh style of Barbera with plenty of wild blackberry, red cherry, baking spice and sweet licorice. The palate ripe and beautifully defined, the oak perfectly integrated and the tannins firm but never imposing. Pull the cork alongside a rack of lamb and let it do the rest.
Cascina Luisin Barbera ‘Maggiur’ 2021
‘Maggiur’ comes from a tiny sliver of Barbera vines from the highly respected subzone of Nizza in the commune of Alba, where the estate produces a wine that showcases in striking fashion the variety’s ability to deliver incredible complexity when planted in a revered site. Fermented in cement like their venerated Barbarescos and aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, ‘Maggiur’ captures the elegance and finesse for which Nizza is known. The 2021 is dense, concentrated and beautifully composed with tightly reined-in red fruits and perfectly integrated tannins. Barbera built for the table – pair it with aged Parmesan or a mixed plate of antipasti.
