Barbera

The grapes for the Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne, which impresses every year, come mainly from vineyards in Castiglione Falletto, with a small proportion of the fruit coming from Ravera. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, leather, liquorice, spices and menthol are presented here in an intoxicating, exotically ripe wine that is a joy to drink even at a young age. Tre Vigne Barbera is lush and racy to the core and shines from start to finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne is a fabulous, explosive wine. Sumptuous dark cherry, ripe plum, mocha, licorice and new leather are all dialed up to the maximum. This racy, deep Barbera is tremendous. For its quality-to-price ratio, the Asti Tre Vigne might be the wine of the year at Vietti." Vinous

"Notes of ripe plums and blackberries with dark, spicy chocolate, damp bark and wet tarmac. Juicy and racy on the palate with medium to full body and lively acidity. Exciting with dusty tannins and a seamless, long finish." James Suckling

"The Tre Vigne Barbera impresses year after year. This 2021 is full of ripe and macerated black cherries with sweet and savoury spices coming in and out. As it progresses, earthy and floral flavours develop, pampering the palate with tart blackberries, allspice and bay leaves, while the finish is accompanied by a strong acidity." Wine Enthusiast

The Barbera d'Alba from Altare is supple, juicy and immediate, with an abundance of dark red and purple fruits, sweet spices and flowers. Silky and beautifully expressive in the glass, it will be a great pleasure to drink over the next few years with its lovely core of fruit and bracing acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Barbera from the house of Vajra. Garnet red colour, very pleasant nose with light cherry notes and aromas of fine spices. The flavour is rich and has the typical effervescence of a traditional and sophisticated wine from the Alba region. SUPERIORE.DE

The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli is characterised by the balance and harmony that we also find in Elvio Cogno's other wines. Barbera can sometimes take on exaggerated flavours, but Cogno's Barbera offers a beautiful intensity of dark fruit without ever being heavy or too rich. Full of vibrant freshness and good energy as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of sour cherries and redcurrants with citrus peel and floral undertones. Juicy and flavoursome with a medium body and crisp red berry character. Lively finish." James Suckling

"This Barbera lifts from the glass with fresh aromas of mixed berries, sweet spices, wild herbs and underbrush. The juicy palate gives notes of black cherries, raspberries and tea finishing with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Sparkling, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Subtle notes of ripe blackberries and plums on the nose, with a slightly leathery aftertaste of dried rose petals. Fresh and juicy on the palate, well-balanced, with a medium-long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli 2021 shows a wonderfully fruity, almost juicy personality that paints an authentic portrait of this grape variety. The winemaking team at Congo has worked out its approach to elegant wines. This Barbera shows none of the exaggerations, such as acidity or too much acidity, that sometimes characterise Barbera when it is made in less capable hands." Wine Advocate

Fine and elegant, the Barbera d'Alba Pian Romualdo from the vineyard of the same name: purple red, with an elegant scent of cherries, blackberries and spices. Full, harmonious and of beautiful length on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Purple red with black-violet reflections. Wonderfully concentrated and extract-rich Barbera with the right mix of power, fruit and juiciness. Some plum jam, black chocolate and spices combine to create a dark-fruited firework of flavours, framed by finely polished tannin and accompanied into a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Radiant cherry red. In the subtly elegant nose notes of red berries, cherry, violets and rose petals. Juicy and penetrating in the drink, with good pressure and a light herbal note to the spicy red fruits and floral aromas. The crisp acidity, typical of Barbera, is very well cushioned by the wine's extract-sweet fruit core. Fine tannins, medium-long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Elegance, freshness and drinkability - these are the words that immediately came to mind when tasting this extremely precise Barbera. Bright light red in colour with orange reflections. Clear bouquet of cherries, blackberries and spices. This freshness and clarity return on the palate, with fine tannins accompanying the fruity, juicy flavour and a slightly nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sandrones Barbera d'Alba has an aroma of ripe red berries, dark cherries and a hint of coffee and chocolate. On the palate, it has a full-bodied, soft texture, captivating refinement and pure harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba is full of juicy dark cherries, plums, spices, new leather and liquorice. This supple, juicy Barbera is a great choice to drink now and over the next few years." Vinous

"It is very attractive with fresh dark and blue fruits along with hints of violets, dried citrus peel and cocoa, followed by a medium-bodied, structured and supple palate with crisp acidity and lively juiciness to the fruit." James Suckling

"Powerful violet colour with an almost black core. Intense aroma of ripe blueberries and blackberries on the nose, notes of violets and light spice. Soft and juicy on the palate, balanced, with well-integrated tannins and blueberry flavours on the finish." Falstaff

"Tantalising aromas of tart plums, boysenberries and wildflowers rise from the glass of this energetic and unique Barbera. The fleshy palate is fuelled by tart blue and black fruits, with a mix of spice and mouth-watering acidity on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Starting with thick concentration and inky darkness, the Luciano Sandrone 2021 Barbera d'Alba has cooked fruit aromas and some savory tones too, such as leather, spice and a hint of dusty licorice root. The style is big, and this wine is conventional with big juicy sensations. It's all very elaborate for a Barbera d'Alba, but we are talking about a vintage that naturally delivers extra concentration." Wine Advocate

La Villa is a casual feminine Barbera d'Asti that smells of ripe red fruits, flowers and spices. Round and focused on the palate with a silky texture and good length. This is what price-performance looks like in an ideal case! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark cherries and blueberries here with hints of dried flowers, cocoa and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a sleek, red-fruited palate. Vivid acidity and a flavorful, textured finish." James Suckling

Bright intense ruby, a lot of fresh, concentrated berry fruit in the nose, very elegant, on the palate accentuated acidity in the approach, which then gives way to a fine tannin, long and juicy in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red colour with a violet hue. Ripe fruit notes on the nose, reminiscent of plum and sour cherry, with some dark chocolate behind it. Round and full-bodied on the palate, juicy, subtle extract sweetness, striking acidity, fine tannins, elegant final." Falstaff

"From Bricco Bertoni, across the road from Bricco Falletto, a naturally low-yielding site on a steep, terraced marl slope. Vibrant purple in colour with aromas of spiced plum, sour cherries and herbal touches, it features a super-intense, saline attack with concentration of bright red and black fruits. Vertical, with prickly spice and very fresh acidity, there is sapidity, depth and vibrancy evident here. Wow." Decanter

"Just bottled, the 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is fabulous. Rich and inky, with tremendous depth, the 2021 is so vibrant in the glass. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, sweet spice and mocha are all dialed up, with a kiss of French oak that adds raciness." Vinous

This powerful red wine, characterised by spicy new oak, exudes aromas and flavours of plums, blackberries, fruit cake, almonds and vanilla. Balanced in an exuberant way, with pronounced fruit and a long aftertaste. A Barbera of exquisite intensity, class and beauty.

"A stellar wine, the 2021 Barbera d'Alba Tulin is packed with blackberry jam, chocolate, spice, new leather, espresso and spice. It's a superb example of the heights Barbera aged in French oak can reach. The style won't be for everyone, but readers who want to see what wines of this school are all about will find a fabulous example here." Vinous

Barbera d'Asti Riserva from the noble DOCG Nizza opens with dark red fruit, followed by smoke, spices and flowers. Dense, intense fruit with a pleasantly salty, mineral note on the palate. Impressive Barbera presentation with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of macerated black cherries and ripe raspberries combine with star anise, cedar and violets that pour out of the glass. The palate is loaded with notes of ripe plum, blackberries, fresh thyme and fine oak spices. Structured tannins give the wine heft, finishing with enough acidity to balance each component." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a red fruity character with notes of tea leaves, dried herbs and ground cloves. Medium-bodied with bright and lively fruit, crisp acidity and firm, polished tannins. Fresh and spicy." James Suckling

"A pure nose of cherry and other ripe red fruits. With sour cherry, plums and dried cranberries. Freshness and balance, precision and intensity, the oak is well integrated." Decanter

"The 2019 Nizza Riserva is packed with dark fruits, graphite, cured meat, cloves, leather and lavender. Deep and layered, with enormous stature, the Riserva is a wonderfully complete wine that just needs a few years in the bottle to round itself out. It is another impressive wine in this range from Olim Bauda." Vinous

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

Top Barbera from the Montemareto hill in the Nice DOCG. Intense ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose cherry, black cherry, sweet spices and floral notes of violets. Deep and complex on the palate, with an intense fruit core and soft tannins, intense long finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, brilliant crimson. Brooding, deep, sweet-sour raspberry and cherry nose. The longer it lingers in the glass, the more depth it shows. Great purity of raspberry and cherry fruit on the palate, carried by supple acidity and laced with bitter-sweet, grainy tannins. Very long with savoury spice notes on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Sleek and focused, with blackberry, boysenberry and pomegranate flavors that are intense from beginning to end. Balanced and bracing." Wine Spectator

"The opulent nose of this juicy Barbera opens with aromas of plums, baking spices, violets and vanilla. The lush palate is filled with tart cherries, herbs, toasted oak spice and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Deep dark cherries on the nose with some dried meat, dark spices and geranium leading into a silky palate of dark sour cherries. Lively, juicy and polished." James Suckling

"The 2020 Nizza Montemareto is packed with wild dark cherries, rose petals, cherry, game, smoke, tobacco and incense. Deep and structured, the 2020 has a lot to offer. A year in the barrel is good to tame some of its natural wildness." Vinous

Convincing selection of "La Luna e i Falò" from grapes harvested exclusively in the DOCG area of Nizza Monferrato. Its colour is deep red and as dense as its bouquet of wild berries, plums and tobacco with a fine toasty vanilla note from the barrique. The soft, spicy taste lingers long and with great elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a promising aroma of black cherries, nougat and herbs; juicy in the mouth, the tannins close-meshed, well supported by the acidity, elegant lingering final. Can still mature." Vinum

"Aromas of bark, sap, blackberry and blueberry. Medium-to full-bodied with some salty-mineral notes. Juicy. A little savory, with vanilla and ground clove coming through at the end. Nicely structured." James Suckling

This Barbera oscillates between richness and elegance. Wonderfully concentrated cherry fruit, finely layered, plus blackberry and some chocolate. Everything is in its place: acidity, fruit and finely woven tannins. Then warm, round and juicy on the palate, it keeps its balance until the long finish and is never too heavy or even too dense. SUPERIORE.DE

"If our Barbera d'Alba DOC is a traditional red wine from the Langhe, we consider Gisep to be a representative of a grape variety that is also capable of astonishment. Gisep means Giuseppe in Piedmontese: a tribute to our grandfather, who was instrumental in the development of our winery. We obtain it from a selection of grapes from different vineyards, and only in the best years. Structured and lush, pleasantly complex and rounded, yet surprisingly long-lived and full of character." Franco Massolino

Massolino's Barbera d'Alba Gisep focuses on the sultry, smoky and refined side of this popular Piedmontese grape. If the winery's classic Barbera is a naked and stripped-down expression, this wine shows the smart clothes and accessories that elevate it to first class. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice, incense and new leather give the current release terrific flavour complexity and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Graceful ruby red Barbera d'Alba with a fine fruit aroma. The fully structured taste closes persistently with a light acid wire that contrasts well with the body. SUPERIORE.DE

Barbera d'Alba Superiore Fides from the famous Mosconi vineyard offers a very nuanced bouquet characterised by blackberry, black cherry, cassis and plum on the one hand, and distinct mineral notes on the other. Fides offers a dark concentration and a soft, intense texture. Lavender, mint and sweet floral notes give it additional verve and make it one of the best site Barbera of Piedmont every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red. Rich and intense aromas with notes of ripe red fruits, black spices, undergrowth, cocoa and coffee. Full-bodied, concentrated and harmonious on the palate, balanced synthesis of softness and freshness." Falstaff

"The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Vigna Mosconi Fides delivers big ripeness and fruit weight with inky dark intensity, mature blackberry and syrupy blackberry or cherry essence." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Fides Vigna Mosconi is gorgeous. Dark, fleshy and super–expressive, the 2020 is packed with plum, blackberry, mocha, lavender, spice and chocolate. Although quite racy and extroverted, the 2020 retains terrific freshness and fine overall balance. It is a joyous Barbera to drink now and over the next handful of years." Vinous

"This red is all about finesse and elegance, with a silky texture aligned to black cherry, blackberry, violet and almond aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced and long, with pure fruit echoing on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A linear and fresh barbera with dark fruit, bark, walnuts and orange peel. It’s medium–bodied with well–integrated tannins. Focused and fine. Sophisticated. Tangy finish. Very long." James Suckling

Barbera Gallina is a beguiling wine with wonderful freshness and clarity. Beautiful scent of violets, tar, smoke, minerals, plums and spices. Gallina loves time in the glass, where it shows plenty of minerality and a long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of crushed berry and raspberry with some flint and slate undertones. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and slightly chewy tannins. Shows tension and focus." James Suckling

Bionzo is a vineyard site in Costigliole d'Asti planted with vines that are 80 years old or more. La Spinetta's top-of-the-range Barbera is a bold wine, offering generous fruit but then carefully pulling back to show elegance and complexity. The vibrant character of the fruit shines brightly, as does the softness and textural richness. Dried plum, blackberry and sweet cherry are supported by baking spice, earth and cedar. The finish is endlessly long with exceptional fruity persistence. Great! SUPERIORE.DE