1993 Attilio Ghisolfi Barbera d'Alba Vigna Lisi

Attilio Ghisolfi in Monforte d’Alba has been in the Ghisolfi family for three generations. Today the 15-acre estate is run by Gianmarco Ghisolfi and his family. With production of only 45,000 bottles annually, the estate is not widely known outside of Italy. Yet the estate’s Barolos, Barberas and Langhe Rossos earn high praise from reviewers. Gambero Rosso typically awards the estate’s wines two or very often three bicchieri, the journal’s highest ratings. Gambero Rosso has noted that “Gianmarco Ghisolfi has become impressively consistent. The style of his wines is not conducive to approachability but instead expresses a complexity and depth that emerge with careful sensory analysis.”

Barbera d’Alba is a DOC centered around the town of Alba, and it is considered home to some of the best wines made from the Barbera grape. Barbera is the most frequently planted grape in Piedmont, thanks to its adaptability and vigorous character. It is easier to grow and less susceptible to adverse weather than Nebbiolo, which is grown in neighboring appellations. Barbera in general has relatively low tannins but high acidity, and the wines tend to have flavors of ripe currant and cherry. The Barbera DOC was created in 1970 and the DOC wines must be 100% Barbera.

This red wine is from Piedmont. It is known for low tannins and high acidity, which makes it taste both light-bodied and rich. Barbera most often drinks early, but some variations can be cellared. The wine is relatively inexpensive and flexible for pairing.