Best-known for single-vineyard Barolos and sparkling wines, Serafino is based in Alba, home to Barbera as well as Nebbiolo. One of the oldest wineries in Piedmont, it was founded in 1878. The commonly held view today is that Barbera from Alba is richer and more dramatic than those from Asti. Well, at least this one supports that generalization. Aged for 14 months in large, neutral oak cooperage, this 2018 has everything you’d expect in Barbera from an excellent vintage. With a little time in the glass, it opens up to offer ripe black cherry with a hint of cloves in the aroma. Medium full bodied, it has a lush, fleshy feel to it with plenty of ripe fruit flavors and savory spice. The finish has noticeable tannins and a slightly herbal quality that seems to cry out for food.
Enrico Serafino, Barbera d’Alba DOC (Piedmont, Italy) 2018
By Norm Roby