April 9th 2010: Barbera's from Italy's Piemonte

I often feel that Barbera doesn’t quite get its due. Overshadowed by one of the great grapes and wines of the world, Nebbiolo/ Barolo, Barbaresco, it is the wine that the locals of this beautiful NW Italian region drink most often. It pairs perfectly with the local foods, it’s affordable to drink on a daily basis and as it’s proven to me over and over……………………..it’s just damn delicious! Tasting through loads of examples in order to narrow it down to the select 6 that we’ll pour this Friday I was again reminded of the simple fact that most bottlings of this grape are straightforward examples of great value in an honest, down to earth wine that is humble in its origins yet noble in the value that it delivers. This selection of just 6 wines to pour was one of the toughest yet. Almost every one I tasted was worthy. Each Barbera (the grape) we’ll be pouring has its own specific taste and some are from Asti, a few from Alba and one from Monferrato. This is a great opportunity to come in and taste 5 or 6 delicious wines, all great values, and select a mixed case that you can keep at home and have at the ready for those evenings when you’re putting together a pasta with red sauce, Pizza, Bar B Que beef or chicken and many other everyday dishes. Already inexpensive for the quality a further 15% off on the case and you’re drinkin cheap! And drinkin good. Giddyup!

THE DIFFICULT SELECTION

2007 Monchiero, Barbera D’Alba Superiore     $13

2006 Cantine Valpane, Barbera del Monferrato “Rosso Pietro”   $16

2007 Vietti, Barbera D’Asti      $18

2006 CascinaCastelet, Barbera D’Asti Superiore “Litina”   $22

2007 Massolino, Barbera D’Alba      $23

PREMIUM POUR ($3)

2004 Aldo Conterno, Barbera D’Alba “Conca Tre Pile”   $29 (one of the best soil driven Barbera’s you’ll ever put to your palate)

ST

Sandy Thompson,  Proprietor
Mt. Tabor Fine Wines
4316 SE Hawthorne Bl
Portland, Or. 97215
(503)235-44