Single Vineyard Barbera

I've always loved Barbera, especially examples from Alba.  However, in recent years as the prices for Barbera have moved them out of the "every day" range, I've gravitated more toward buying Dolcetto.  That being said, the subject of this article represents nice value indeed.

The 2010 Pelissero Barbera d'Alba, Vigna Piani  is a solid value.  The wine was opened, but not decanted, for about 45 minutes before tasting.  In the glass, the wine is a pretty ruby to garnet color. Very typical for the varietal and also spoke slightly about the traditional treatment of the wine.  

The aromas are very attractive.  Pretty floral notes share the stage with crushed berry, spices and leather.  In a large "Barolo stem" the aromas continued to open with more swirling and are very tightly delineated.  On the palate, the wine is expressive, with wonderful Alba terroir.  There's a solid core of cherry fruit framed by mushrooms, earth, tobacco and spice.  The balance is wonderful and the acids provide refreshing structure but are not overdone. One trait I love about Barbera from Alba (as generally opposed to Asti) is that I find them less acidic and more round.   This clearly fits that mold. 

Delicious wine and worth grabbing a few for near term consumption.  Drink now, or cellar 1-3 years.  90 points, about $20.   Disclosure:  This bottle was a sample provided by a retailer.

Single Vineyard Barbera "Piani" from Pelissero