Araldica Albera Barbera d’Asti 2009

I picked up Araldica Albera Barbera d’Asti 2009 because it was under $10 and was rated 90 points by Wine Spectator. I was rather enthusiastic that this would turn out to be one of those super affordable tasty gems. Headed by winemaker Claudio Manera, the Aldica Group is a cooperative that is comprised of 200 members and nearly 900 hectares of vineyards. Based in Piedmont, their ambition is to produce wines that are “both understandable and accessible. Quite simply, wine for drinking and enjoying.”

Dark red-violet in colour, after aerating aromas of spiced plum and clove rose from the glass.  Sweet cherry, blackberry and red current flavours were supported by toasty oak and rich chocolate notes in the full body. Soft tannins ushered in the lengthy finish of black pepper, mocha and smoky fruit. Dense and plush, each delectable sip abounds with sweet fruit, spice and cozy wisps of smoke, creating the impression of a much more expensive bottle.

100% Barbera

Asti/Piedmont

Italy

Bottled by Araldica Vini

14.5% Alcohol

$9

Enjoy thru 2013

Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator