2009 Conterno Fantino Barbera d'Alba Vignota

Conterno Fantino is located in Italy’s Piedmont appellation. It was founded in 1982 when Guido Fantino and Claudio Conterno purchased land and started making Barolo. By the late 1980s the 56-acre estate was winning praise from Gambero Rosso and Wine Spectator. Vineyards are planted to primarily Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The vineyards have been farmed organically for more than a decade. About 140,000 bottles are produced annually. Conterno-Fantino’s signature wines are the Barolo Sori Ginestra and Barolo Vigna del Gris, but Gambero Rosso notes that “all the wines are beautifully clean and eminently drinkable.”

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.