Since I am going to Italy in a couple months, how appropriate that I go there for my first pick of 2019. Not only is my “pick” from Italy, but it’s also from the region that I am visiting. I would like to tell you that it was on purpose, but I would be lying. I would say it is more on the serendipitous side. From the land of Barolo and Barbaresco comes this grape, not as famous as its aforementioned cousins, but the most popular table red in that region. Kermit Lynch, a fairly famous importer once told me that he visited the region, and at every home, he had lunch or dinner, they served Barbera instead of the more famous Barolos or Barbarescos. Barbera is a fantastic food wine and can be drunk young, whereas Barolo and Barbaresco need time in the cellar. I discovered this little gem while on a quest to find wines for an upcoming tasting event.
January 2019 Pick Of The Month
2016 FontanaFredda “Briccotondo” Barbera (Piedmont, Italy)… $14.
Blackberries and perfumed currants on the nose, with a hint of raspberry, bark and tobacco in the background. Good acidity balanced with blackberry and raspberry notes on the palate that is quite intense. Tobacco notes join up on the mid-palate into an intense finish of licorice, blackberry and black raspberry notes hang around with the tobacco. Great balance and structure and mouth-watering. A perfect food red. Try it with anything Italian that involves a red sauce or lamb. Also a great burger or pizza wine. Personally, I enjoyed it all by itself as well. (B+/A-)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
