Marcarini, Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) 2010

 Although Marcarini has been an excellent producer in the Langhe region of Piedmont for years, quality seems to have ratcheted up a couple of additional clicks here in just the past two or three years.  That enhancement is clearly evident in this wine, which is beautifully styled and extremely versatile, showing perfect ripening that furnishes the wine with expressive, generous aromas and flavors but also with fresh acidity and a focused, energetic profile appropriate to this variety.  Climate change in the Langhe has resulted in many producers’ Barberas turning overblown and soupy, and this wine is an outstanding case in counterpoint.