A grape for fall season

August is nearing its end and that means autumn is just around the corner. For me that also means the start of red wine season. This week I thought we’d  do something different and not recommend one bottle of wine but a grape variety that I feel is especially good in autumn - Barbera from Piemonte.

With the colder weather coming in during autumn you want a wine that is full and rich, with some structure, but also nice and fruity. For me a Barbera from either Alba or Asti in Piemonte fills these criteria perfectly. A typical Barbera will have notes of cherry and raspberry, some earthy notes like hints of forest floor and mushroom. Some wines are very structured, often the ones from Alba, while the ones from Asti tends to be more fruity. ​

These wine are of course perfect with you typical Italian dish, pasta or pizza, but try it with any hearty and typical autumn dish like leg of lamb for example. 

Another good reason to buy Barbera wines are that they come in all price ranges so we have picked out three wines we like that fits all kinds of wallets:​

Tasting Notes:

Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Francia 2021 - 1035,- kr
We start at the top - Giacomo Conterno! One of the most famous producers in Piemonte, maybe all of Italy and the price is thereafter. To use over 1000,- NOK on a Barbera will not be for everybody, but those who do will get a wine that is intense and long, with great structure. This can also be left in the cellar for another ten years. 

Scarpa Barbera d'Asti I Bricchi 2021 - 315,- kr
Scarpa is one of the most respected producers in Piemonte and their Barbera d’Asti I Bricchi is a firm favourite. This tastes of ripe red fruit, plum and wild cherry and is fantastic with Tagliatelle with meat ragù or a lasagne alla bolognese.

Selezione di Luca Roagna Barbera d'Asti 2022 - 219,90 kr
Readers of this blog knows that we love  the wines of Luca Roagna and this is perhaps the best value for money buy you can get on Vinmonopolet. For 220 kroner you get a great wine that is light and fresh and so good to drink. Perfect for stormy autumn nights.