Barbera d'Alba Donna Margherita

Same notes as before - this entry is just to record when and with whom I drank it.

Same notes as before - this entry is just to record when and with whom I drank it.

Beautiful wine I never tire of drinking - the absolute essence of value. Honestly, blind you'd guess Nebbiolo before Barbera. Flowers drift through cherry and blackberry, earth and spice beneath, with properly high tannins and crackling acidity. It's wound tight as a spring right now, practically vibrating with tension, but already brilliant to drink. This is why I keep coming back - proper serious wine that doesn't take your wallet hostage.

Same tasting notes as before, but this time paired with cacio e pepe - brilliant combination. The wine opens beautifully in the glass; I nursed it solo for over four hours and it just kept giving.

Pretty much the same tasting notes. It holds up - a Barbera that doesn't lean on power or oak, but instead plays a more delicate hand. There's a floral lift that gives it charm, and while it's juicy and easygoing, it's also surprisingly layered. Not just fruit - there's a subtle complexity that reveals itself quietly. Paired with grilled turkey and the calm of nature, it all just clicked.

Oof, what a perfumed nose. Cherry, violets, briar - beautiful Barbera showing off. Very juicy with serious structure and racing acidity. A bit strict right now, like it's holding something back. Beautiful stuff though. Drinks well today but give it a year or two and it'll start singing. Classic case of Barbera being underestimated while quietly outperforming half the wines twice its price.