1997 Armando Parusso Barbera d'Alba Ornati

Armando Parusso is an estate in the Langhe region of Northern Italy. It is run by Marco Parusso and his sister Tiziana. The estate was founded in 1970 and has 75 acres of vineyards. Some 120,000 bottles of Barolo, primarily, are produced annually. Though relatively small, this estate has been earning high compliments from wine journals, including the influential Italian Gambero Rosso, which calls it an estate “which boasts some of the best terroirs in thee entire zone.” The journal added that the wines “have achieved fine stylistic harmony annd balance.” Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote in 2010 that “I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Marco Parusso this year. Marco Parusso is one of Piedmont’s most relentless explorers, and every new vintage seems to bring with it a new twist.”

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.