Barbera d'Asti

This is a no-nonsense wine loaded with complexity and depth, but in its core is pure joy. Aromas of sun-warmed crushed raspberries and black cherries mingle with fresh thyme, while clove, anise and cinnamon stick lift the nose. The well-structured palate is a dance between fresh and preserved wild berries, guided by lively acidity. Savory spice, herbs and white pepper linger on the finish, revealing a wine that's serious, but just wants to have fun. Drink now–2035.

While most Italian fans know about Barolo and Barbaresco, wine lovers often overlook the exemplary character of another Piedmont grape –Barbera. Perhaps no Barbera is more worthy of attention than the Braida Bricco dell’Uccellone. Giuseppe and Raffaella Bologna are the third-generation proprietors of the Braida estate and are motivated to elevate Barbera to the top echelon of red wine grapes. Their 2021 Bricco dell’Uccellone is a powerful and complex wine. Drawn from 40-50 year old vines and aged in small oak barrels, it offers lovely aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, violets, bay leaf and sandalwood. The flavors are luscious and rich, with layers of plum, blackberry and cherry fruits underlain by a hint of vanilla and an earthy/leathery complexity that lingers nicely at the finish. This is top-class Barbera that might change your impression of the grape’s potential for excellence. 93 Wayne Belding