2021 Povero, Barbera d’Asti (RT91) Performing well above its pay grade, bright ripe fruit with notes of blackberries, blueberries, and attractive floral accents. Crafted in a delicious fruit forward fashion, the palate reveals a lush, balanced style built of fresh fruit, lively acidity and a soft easy finish that makes it highly quaffable and a terrific food wine! Serve with hearty pasta, pizza and grilled meat dishes. Well crafted and very nicely priced, a total rock star, this is just plain delicious! Drink now-2027
2019 Violetta, Barbera d’Asti (RT88) Ruby with a purple cast, the 2019 Violetta is blue fruit dominated with hints of purple flowers and new saddle leather. Its marked acidity is even evident on the bouquet. The palate shows slightly under-ripe fruit as the acidity shines proudly, making this a wine to pair with fatty, cream sauce dishes. I find it a bit unbalanced as soft tannins create the impression of an early drinker with little to be had from even modest cellaring. Drink now-2025
2020 Daniele Conterno, Barbera d’Alba Superiore (RT91) The fruit truly shines on this relatively soft and approachable Barbera. Revealing a ruby hue with hints of garnet at the rim, the bouquet displays notes of blueberry, black currants, leather and hints of tufacious minerality, which grounds the aromatics nicely. The palate builds on the aromatics, with tasty fruit, lovely acidity and soft tannins bringing up the finish. Drink now-2027