2005 Josetta Saffirio Barbera d'Alba

Josetta Saffirio is 12.5-acre estate in Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont. It is owned and operated by Josetta Saffirio, a professor of viticulture who inherited a small vineyard from her father. She started making wine under her own name in 1985 with her husband, an enologist, and today their daughter Sara helps run the estate. Josetta Saffirio’s flagship wines are the Barolos, though the estate also makes Barbera and Langhe Rosso made primarily of Merlot. There is also a Langhe Bianco make of Rossese, a grape native to Cinque Terre. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, has awarded its 3 Bicchieri award to several of the estate’s Barolos, and has noted that “this small, successful Langhe estate … two decades ago astounded the world with its first spectacular wines.”

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.