Wine of the Week – Cantine Valpane Barbera del Monferrato 2007

Kermit Lynch made his name by importing some of the best French wines into this country focusing on organic producers and using temperature controlled containers to ship their wine into the U.S. In the last few years, he has started to focus on Italy and apply the same ideology . Judging from this week’s wine we’re glad he did!

Coming from the Piedmont region of Italy, Cantine Valpane takes a bit of a different approach to their Barbera. First, they harvest their grapes very late in the season that adds to the ripeness tasted in the wine. Additionally they add 15% Fresia (another grape indigenous to Piedmont) that adds a fruity aspect as well as complexity to the wine.

Notes of blackberries and cherries lead off on the nose and palate supported by hints of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and cardamom. There is perfect harmony of fruit, acid and tannin that makes this wine perfect with roasted meats, game or pasta and marinara sauce. At 12.99 this is an absolute steal. Bravo!

$12.99