Villa Sparina Barbera del Monferrato 2022

Bart here. My wife and I had been working some at the farm. It was beginning to cool off, and the breeze was light. We sat down around the pond at a picnic table and opened this bottle of wine to relax and enjoy the sights and sound of the late afternoon.  The timing may have suggested a white wine, but the cool breeze pushed me to a lighter red. I have been wanting to try this unique bottle for a few weeks, and this was a great opportunity.  

2022 Villa Sparina Barbera del Monferrato- what a pleasant surprise for under $20. This is a Barbera from Piedmont in northern Italy. This is a lesser-known grape than Nebbiolo, but more approachable early on!  This does not require the several years of aging to soften as does Nebbiolo.  It is a lighter red wine with wonderful floral fruity notes, bold dark cherry, raspberry, wild blackberry and just a hint of tobacco. The tannins are soft with a thickness to them, allowing a fuller mouth feel. Alcohol about 14.5%.  The only thing to make this any nicer would have been a charcuterie board or light grilling with burgers and brats.