Cantina Marenco, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, 2011

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Rustic violets and plums notes followed by fresh grounded spices. Despite the alcohol it retains a fresh acidity with very polished soft tannins. Big and bold needs strong flavoured food.

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Dense blackberry and plum. Medium full nose with oaky notes and some fruit. Medium weight with solid fruit flavours and strong mineral notes. Wood element adds interest though again rather intrusive alcohol.

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Purple-ruby. Subdued aromas of ripe red fruit and vanilla, with plenty of alcohol on the nose. Then slightly coarse and tannic, with simple red fruit flavours that lack flesh and volume. The long finish features too much heat and not enough fleshy fruit for my taste.