With 13% alcohol and costing $15, the 2013 Franco Amoroso Barbera D’Alba scored a good 16 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale.It was nearing peak, had a hint of orange on the edge, and showed rich dark berry fruits on the nose. You’ll see Barbera from Asti ( a bit lighter) and examples from Alba. It’s one of the top Italian restaurant food wines.

Franco Amoroso makes great wine at reasonable cost. With a cheese dish, the wine softened and showed more fruit in the aroma and also in the mouth.

I tend to drink Barbera wines from five to 15 years old and both styles shows what a great grape Barbera is. The grapes grows best in the northern Piedmont region of Italy. Keep some in your cellar. In Vino Veritas.