Posts tagged barbera
Focused, Lively Wines from Piedmont's Castello di Perno

Call me silly but I always find staying in castles a bit exciting—not that I’m into hanging out over the ramparts, but there’s just something about it. It’s no different at the Castello di Perno except this small castle is poised on a ridge above the village of Monforte d’Alba, one of my favorites in Barolo. It’s an old castle, but the thing that is really interesting is that Giulio Einaudi, one of Italy’s most famous publishers, owned this up until 2012 when Giorgio Gitti purchased it and the estate. They still have Einaudi’s library, and it gave me goosebumps when I visited and walked over the creaking wooden floor and smelled the dusty old manuscripts—it made me feel like I was in a castle!

Read More
A Tale of Two Cities: Barbera from Alba and Asti

Italian wine is known for its food-friendliness, but the Barbera grape from Piedmont might very well be the most versatile for the dinner table. Its high acidity and friendly tannins make it a great pair for many a meal. With subtle differences in style based on where it’s grown, the best way to really get to know this grape is to open up a bottle from each of its hometowns. Hard work, but someone’s gotta do it…

Read More