Results for: "Barbera d'Asti, Italy"

We've never welcomed a Barbera to our Best In Show selection before – and pow! Here it is. Fittingly it's a Nizza wine, this DOCG having come into being in 2014 to showcase a Barbera-only subzone formerly included in DOCG Barbera d'Asti Superiore and centred around the town of Nizza Monferrato. It's not a shy wine, and it left our judges excited: powerful black fruits with orange and blueberry scents layered into spicy, creamy oak. On the palate it's rich, deep and heady, with more orange and black fruit partnered with voluptuous tannins from both skins and oak. It has all the athleticism of the variety – but if you're one of those who have found Barbera's acidity to be almost too aggressive and attacking in the past, this wine may reassure; it's balanced and vivacious here, thanks to the overall richness and wealth of the whole.

The 2023 Barbera d'Asti Trevie shows why Barbera rules in Asti, where it is planted in the very best sites (unlike in Alba, where Nebbiolo is the most important grape). Brisk acids cut through a core of red-toned fruit, white pepper, graphite, slate, mint, chalk and blood orange. This mid-weight, intensely savory/mineral Barbera is a total knockout. (AG)

This is a no-nonsense wine loaded with complexity and depth, but in its core is pure joy. Aromas of sun-warmed crushed raspberries and black cherries mingle with fresh thyme, while clove, anise and cinnamon stick lift the nose. The well-structured palate is a dance between fresh and preserved wild berries, guided by lively acidity. Savory spice, herbs and white pepper linger on the finish, revealing a wine that's serious, but just wants to have fun. Drink now–2035. *Editors' Choice* (JP)

The 2025 Renato Ratti "Battaglione" Barbera d'Asti (DOCG) is a gorgeous, vibrant, and highly expressive shift in pace, bringing the hallmark high-toned energy of Monferrato's sandy-clay soils into sharp focus. Pietro Ratti crafts this classic cuvée from choice plots in the Asti zone, where warmer microclimates and lighter soils naturally emphasize Barbera's soaring aromatic profile and juicy, accessible architecture compared to the more muscular expressions found in Alba.

The "Battaglione" Barbera d'Asti from Renato Ratti is a vibrant and expressive wine that beautifully showcases the Barbera grape’s lively acidity and rich fruit profile. Renato Ratti, a respected name in Piedmont, is known for producing wines that balance tradition with modern winemaking techniques, and this Barbera d'Asti is no exception. The Battaglione bottling honors the history of the region while offering a fresh, approachable take on Barbera. On the nose, the "Battaglione" Barbera d'Asti presents aromas of ripe red cherry, plum, and blackberry, accompanied by hints of violets, spice, and a touch of earthy undertones. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity and soft tannins, delivering flavors of red berries, cranberry, and a touch of licorice. The acidity keeps the wine bright and refreshing, leading to a clean, lingering finish with notes of spice and minerality.

The 2023 Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian is soft, supple and delicious. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and chocolate gives the 2023 tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. This is an especially fine edition of La Spinetta's entry-level Barbera. Best of all, this is a terrific value. (AG)