Gigi Bianco, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, 2010

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Shy first impression on the nose, intense dark forest with berry jam. Bit flabby and disjointed towards the end of the palate. Stewed red currants.

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Opaque red. Bright sour cherry nose, some oak. Medium-bodied but sleek and fresh, silky and has finesse, with gentle but bright acidity that gives persistence. Not a wine of great depth or complexity, but stylish and quite long.

Tasting: Barbera d’Alba

Bright red. Delicate aromas of red berries and cherry. Then sweet and sour, with an intriguing mix of unripe red cherry and red currant complicated by plums and sweet spices, but lots of unresolved oak too here. Finishes long and vibrant, but could use more concentration. Time might help it put on volume.