Barbera d’Alba is a somewhat forgotten appellation. Grown in the shadow of the great Nebbiolo-based wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, Barbera consistently provides a lot of character for a very affordable price. The 2012 Franco Serra bottling shows a traditional style, combining fruit and earth nuances in an entirely pleasing manner. Luscious raspberry, red cherry and red plum fruit tones are interwoven with elements of dried herbs, cocoa, tobacco, potpourri and cracked pepper. The flavors are initially soft and ripe with the juicy red fruits enhanced by the herbal and spicy nuances. The earth and herb tones linger pleasantly at the finish. Its autumnal style makes it a perfect pizza wine, as well as a fine companion for herb and mushroom-laced pasta recipes.
Franco Serra, Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) 2013
By Wayne Belding