Barbera can deliver berry flavor with the acidity to keep up with acidic dishes. This flight featured two examples from either side of the Atlantic. The first time the California offering was from Seghesio. Tonight we line-up a wine from Jeff Ruquist.
Andrea Oberto Barbera d’Alba DOC 2006
Recent bottles of this estate’s Dolcetto and Barbera have been well-made and affordable. This vintage shows Barbera’s acidity in a tannic envelope. Estate bottled in La Morra in Piemonte 13.5% $14.99 at Bottle Barn.
R (Jeff Runquist) Amador County Cooper Vineyard Barbera 2006
Winemaker Jeff Runquist and grower Dick Cooper. P&B in Ripon 14.9% $19.99 at Bottle Barn
Runquist
Seghesio Sonoma County Barbera 2005
This wine has been spot-on for the Seghesios. The previous vintage, dense and showed it’s California roots. A bottle of the current vintage which I tasted earlier this year again showed loads of fruit, concentration and the hallmark acidity that we expect with Barbera. Tasted in September, full-on oaky notes of vanilla are also there coupled with a lusch palate – a real crowd pleaser. GP&B Healdsburg 15.4% $19.99 at Bottle Barn Seghesio