The nose is full of rustic, brambly, dusty cherry. Plum and berry (in that order) are there too, and blend with just a little oak. It’s simultaneously familiar and unique.

That goes double for the taste. It’s really spicy, has some cheek-grabbing tannins and bright acidity. There’s plenty of fruit as well – all of which means this red will age well for a few years if you like your wine a little softer.

If you had Barbera D’ Asti years ago and found it way too acidic and not nearly interesting enough, let this be what beckons you back to Barbera. What you had probably never touched oak and was made quick for a cheap sale. This isn’t an expensive bottle by any means, but it sure doesn’t taste that way. Trust me, you’ll dig this wine.

Cheers,
TSW

* - Chimp Wine is a WoW designation signifying a no-brainer, must-buy wine (as in, "You'd have to be a chimp not to buy this wine.").

OK, I’ll admit that I’ve got a soft spot in my palate for a lot of Italian wine. But this is a wine that will be loved by more than just me, Ferragamo fans, cyclists and opera singers.

If you like pinot noir with lots of brambly earth in it, you’ll dig this wine.

If you like syrah for its muscle, you’ll dig this wine.

If you like wine that costs too damn little money for how good it is, you’ll dig this wine.

If you’re not stupid, you’ll dig this wine. It’s just got so much going for it. The color is a beautiful ruby made even more beautiful because it looks unfiltered and slightly dirty.