According to Ian D’Agata in his comprehensive book Native Wine Grapes of Italy, “Barbera is one of Italy’s five most-planted native grapes found in almost every region of the country.” This 100 percent Barbera from Riva Leone comes from the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. It is fermented in stainless steel and aged in American and French oak for 12 months. It has a dark ruby color, and spicy black cherry aromas. In the mouth the spicy black cherry flavors are electrified by intense acidity. This is not a sipping wine, it calls for protein like a slice of rare beef roast or a leg of lamb.
Riva Leone, Piemonte DOC (Piedmont, Italy) Barbera 2021
By Rebecca Murphy