1988 Elio Altare Barbera d'Alba

Elio Altare produces highly acclaimed Barolos in La Morra, Italy. Elio Altare himself owns and operates the 25-acre estate with his wife and two daughters, and he is one of Piedmont’s modern masters of winemaking. Robert M. Parker Jr. calls Altare “a catalyst of change in Piedmont and a touchstone for young producers looking to produce high-quality, more modern-style wines…He is making some of the most magnificent wines in Italy.” Altare grows Nebbiolo d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba and Cabernet Sauvignon. His signature wines are the Barolo Arborina and Barolo Brunate, but he also makes well-respected proprietary red. Elio Altare produces about 7,000 bottles of Barolo annually.

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.