Cascina del Monastero, Vigna Parroco, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, 2010

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Rustic, mineral and farmyardy nose. stewed fruits. Dry finish very spicy tart finish slightly unbalanced.

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Opaque red. Subdued black fruits nose, quite oaky with a light savoury tone. Rich and textured, but the acidity is high and cuts through the richness. Rather awkward bow and shows a slight astringency but this needs time to harmonise. Good length.

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Deep red. some floral and dark fruit flavours along with hints of earth and reduction. Then richer and cleaner on the palate with tactile tannins and rich black fruit flavours lingering nicely. I like this wines refined quality and depth of fruit. Lots of Barbera typical acidity give this a wonderful lightness of being, but I wonder if there isn’t just a touch of brett here.