From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Barbera
Taste: The 2020 Michele Reverdito Barbera d'Alba is a ruby red wine with deep garnet hues, showcasing the intensity and depth of the Barbera grape. On the nose, the wine is rich with aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and hints of black pepper. You’ll notice subtle layers of earthiness, leather, and baking spice as you dive deeper.
The wine is medium-bodied on the palate, with a bright acidity that perfectly balances its fruit-forward character. The mouthfeel is smooth, with supple tannins contributing to its elegant structure. Flavors of blackberries, cherries, and licorice dominate, its finish lifted and lithe. This isn't necessarily a "porch pounder" kind of wine, but goodness gracious, it's easy to lose yourself in this lovely Barbera.
Pairing: The bright acidity and robust flavors of the 2020 Michele Reverdito Barbera d'Alba make it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes. Its versatility allows it to pair well with everything from hearty pasta dishes, such as lasagna or pappardelle with wild boar ragù (check out the recipe below!), to grilled meats like steak or pork chops. The wine's earthy undertones also complement mushroom-based dishes and aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.
Wild Boar Ragù
Recipe from Caterina Schenardi and Daniele Boldrini
Adapted by Jeff Gordinier
About. The 2020 Michele Reverdito Barbera d'Alba is a testament to the rich history and exceptional winemaking traditions of Italy's Piedmont region. This opulent red wine is crafted from the Barbera grape, which is among the most widely planted grape varieties in Italy. Known for its versatility and ability to produce diverse wine styles, Barbera is an intriguing grape that keeps both wine enthusiasts and experts coming back for more. In this article, we'll explore the characteristics, production, and ideal food pairings for this captivating 2020 vintage.
Background
Michele Reverdito, the man behind the eponymous winery, has been crafting exceptional wines in the Piedmont region since 2000 with his sister, Sabine— the head winemaker. The winery has 22 hectares of vineyards that are farmed sustainably without the use of invasive chemicals or elements that could pollute the land, the groundwater or the environment. Michele cultivates his vineyards with the utmost care, allowing each grape to express its most authentic nature and terroir of provenance, giving rise to seven Barolo labels, each with profoundly diverse features.
The Reverdito winery's production philosophy is based on two important prerequisites: optimal work in the vineyard, which results in bunches of grapes of exceptional quality, and the use of large vats and barrels (40 and 50 hectolitres) of the highest quality.
