Happy New Year! To kick the year off, we’re going to be covering the basics of Italy!  Leading the charge is Piedmont, the home to many different wines including Moscato d’Asti, Barbera, Barbaresco, Dolcetto d’Alba, and Barbera d’Asti / Alba.

Barbera

While it may sound fierce, Barbera is more of a straightforward and juicy red wine, than a big muscle-bound bruiser.  What it may lack in sheer might, it makes up for in vibrancy and flavor.  High in acidity, Barbera’s flavors of cherry, blackberry, licorice, and figs end up popping on the palate.  Despite the high acidity, these wines are supple, smooth, and mouth-filling.

There are two principle types of Barbera you’re likely to come across in the store; Barbera d’Alba and Barbera d’Asti.  What’s the difference?   Barbera d’Alba tends to be darker, carrying more flavors of ripe plum and dark cherries, where d’Asti tends more toward being lean, tart, and more concentrated toward red fruit.  Again, these are generalizations, not hard and fast rules.

Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti 2011

Hailing from Asti area of Piedmont, Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti’s production is still overseen by its owner and founder.  While Barbera has had some rough times in the past, can they show there’s still quality in the cheaper end of Barbera?

Sight:  A deep, dense purple core with a firmer magenta edge.

Smell:  The nose has an intensely concentrated mix of stewed black plums and sun dried cherries.  There are lots of elements of spicing and dark chocolate which come through.   Anise and a note of minerality round out the nose.

Sip:  The body is moderate and well round.  There’s a concentrated plum and black cherry flavor that picks up a little bit of blackberry. Bright notes close to balsamic and fresh figs join in with a hint of dark berry preserves.

Savor:  The ending pulls in some blackberries and concentrated cherry notes.  A hint of espresso and dark chocolate linger.  Touches of anise and minerals join in.

Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti is simple, dark, and packed with fruit.  The concentration of the blackberries, black cherries, and plums is deeply complex.  The flavors join well together with the elements of darker chocolate, anise, and minerality that comprise the background.  If you’re a fan of Chianti or Syrah, but wish it was a little darker, then Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti is worth a try.

Verdict: Blackberries, Figs, Plums, Smooth.
Rating: 86
Price: $10
Piedmont, Italy

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