2017 Fratelli Revello Barbera d'Alba

Fratelli Revello was established in 1954 when Giovanni Revello and his sons started selling their grapes to wine producers. The family farmed leased land in La Morra, in Piedmont. In 1967 the family started bottling their own wine. Today the 30-acre estate is run by brothers Enzo and Carlo Revello. Fratelli Revello’s flagship wines are its Barolos, but it also makes well-reviewed Barbera, Dolcetto and Langhe Nebbiolo. Some 70,000 bottles are produced annually. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, notes that the estate’s wines are “all excellent and all inspired by the traditional local restraint.”

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.