Cascina delle Rose, Barbera d’Alba Superiore (Piedmont, Italy) 2008

With only a 7.5-acre estate, this small producer focuses on and is justifiably well known for their Barbaresco.  Nonetheless, this Barbera is a stunning wine that deserves attention because of its high quality.  It doesn’t hurt that it’s well priced for the enjoyment it delivers.  (Superiore in this case is similar to the Riserva designation is other parts of Italy.  The grapes are slightly riper as measured by minimal alcohol of the wine and it is aged a bit longer.)  Beautifully ripe red fruit-like flavors are intertwined seamlessly with a firm minerality.  The acidity for which Barbera is known, balances the whole package perfectly without intruding.  They’ve aged this classy wine in large old barrels (botti) for two years so its beauty comes out unencumbered by oak.