More affordable than this producer’s “Bric du Luv” bottling and very nearly as good, this shows wonderful balance between ripe fruit, fresh acidity, very subtle wood, and interesting earthy accents. 2009 was a hot year in Piedmont, and the label indicates 14.5% alcohol, but this is perfectly ripened and very skillfully made, and it will prove terrifically versatile at the table.
Ca’Viola, Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) 2009
By Michael Franz