Piedmont Italy
Barbera D’Alba, & Arneis
Peeking into Italy’s Piedmont region, in the Northwest, we find two amazing grapes. One red grape called Barbera, and one white grape called Arneis. Both grapes make vibrant wines with full flavors, crisp and bright acidity.
Barbera d'Alba is a key DOC of Piedmont, famed for its tangy, cherry-like red wines made from Barbera grapes. Barbera d'Alba wines are generally esteemed for their deep color, low tannins and high levels of acidity. When young they offer fresh flavors of cherries, blueberries and raspberries. Relatively rich, bold and flavorful, the most powerful examples might just be compared to Barolo or Barbaresco.
Arneis is a crisp and floral varietal and has been grown for centuries in the region. The white wines made from the Arneis grape tend to be dry and full bodied with notes of pears and apricots. Let’s try these wonderful wines @ Humble Vine Wednesday, April 18th 4pm-8pm.
Malvira, Arneis 2016 $18
Elegant and aromatic, Malvira's Roero Arneis is a vibrant and complex white that shows notes of citrus, white flowers, melon, peaches and lemon with balanced acidity and a long finish
Nada, Langhe Bianco, Arneis/Sauv Blanc $19
Straw yellow in color with soft golden reflections. It is a full-bodied white wine that distinguishes itself with a very intense bouquet. The bouquet is floral with notes of yeast and bread crust. The taste is very fresh and delicate with a long finish. The Sauvignon Blanc brings an agreeable crispness to this wine.
Oddero, Barbera D’alba, $27
Barbera is known for its racy acidity, its rusticity, its earthiness, and its need to be accompanied by food. So, reach for the nearest plate of grilled wild mushrooms or gamey meats and get ready to fall in love with this gorgeous, classically structured Barbera from one of the finest wineries located in Barolo.
Nada, Barbera D’Alba Superior, $17
Intense ruby ed. The aroma is expressive and influenced by floral components. The palate shows the Barbera of all its complexity. The lively acidity gives the wine a pleasant freshness and promises a high aging potential. The finale shows a nice length.
Malvira, Barbera Alba, $22
Dark ruby ed, on the nose it expresses fruity notes of plums, cassis and cherries. A spicy track opens to a rich, intense, structured taste. Soft and balanced by a certain acidity, it closes with a nice finish on the fruit.
Liedholm, Barbera D’Alba, $21
Very bright ruby red with purple and scarlet highlights; fragrant, vinous nose when young, hinting at plums and cherry and blackberry jam; full-bodied flavor with a lively acidity showing through, making for a fresh, appealing, modern-style wine