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2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale FantinoSomewhat unique as far as red-wine regions go, Piedmont boasts three outstanding grape varieties that star in their own, distinct bottlings. Barbera—not to be confused with Barolo or Barbaresco, villages known for world-class Nebbiolo—is one of those grapes, and it is notable in its versatility. It can be fashioned into lighter vini da tavola, suitable for a lunch break, or more robust, complex cuvées that you want to sip throughout the night. Originating from a great terroir and having aged over a year according to superiore standards, this bottling from Alessandro and Gian Natale Fantino belongs in the latter camp.
With succulent fruit and refreshing acidity, it is remarkably full-flavored. It speaks boldly, asking to be paired with hearty winter meals or lighter spring fare, ensuring a delightful match thanks to its food-friendly nature. Notes of wild red fruit and a nice, firm tannin will match well with a variety of dishes, but I highly recommend Chris Lee’s recipe for squab and brussels sprouts.
—Tom Wolf
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2021 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Barbera |
Appellation: | Barbera d’Alba |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Piedmont |
Producer: | A. & G. Fantino |
Vineyard: | Vines planted 1999-2002 |
Soil: | Gray marl, Clay |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
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About The Producer
A. & G. Fantino
About The Region
Piedmont
Kermit’s love affair with the great reds of Piemonte dates back to the early days of his career: the very first container he imported from Italy, in fact, featured legendary 1971 and 1974 Barolos from Vietti and Aldo Conterno. Regular visits since then have seen our portfolio grow to now twelve Piemontesi estates, with a strong focus on the rolling hills of the Langhe.
Nebbiolo rules these majestic, vine-covered marl slopes, giving Italy’s most mystifyingly complex, nuanced, and age-worthy reds. When crafted via traditional production methods—long macerations and extensive aging in enormous oak botti—the powerful, yet incredibly refined Barolos and Barbarescos provide haunting aromatics of tar, raspberry, incense, tea, roses, and more. At times austere in their youth but well worth the wait, they pair beautifully with the hearty local cuisine starring veal in many forms, braised beef, pastas like tajarin and agnolotti, and of course, Alba’s famous white truffles.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Piemonte’s climate is continental, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Nebbiolo is only part of the story here: juicy, fruity Barberas and Dolcettos represent the bread and butter throughout the region, and other native grapes like Freisa, Croatina, and the white Arneis are also noteworthy. Value abounds in the Monferrato, while Alto Piemonte also has its share of thrills to provide.
Every corner of Piemonte is rich with tradition, especially when wine is concerned. It’s no wonder we have been singing the region’s praises for over forty years.
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Vintage Chart Mentality
Vintage Chart Mentality
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch