2013 Roberto Voerzio Barbera d'Alba Vigneti Cerreto

Roberto Voerzio is one of Piedmont’s super stars. Located in La Morra, the 22-acre estate produces only 15,000 bottles a year of its highly regarded Barolos. Owned and operated by Roberto Voerzio and his wife Pinuccia, the estate has a cult following among Barolo collectors. Voerzio is known for thinning his vineyards by up to 50% and using only organic farming methods. Robert M. Parker Jr. writes that “over the last decade, Voerzio has produced some of Italy’s most stunningly complete, complex wines.” Some of Voerzio’s wines are only produced in magnums and only in outstanding vintages.

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.