We are excited for our newest release – Natalie’s Estate Winery “Red Willow Vineyard” Barbera.
Boyd has always loved Italian varietals and especially those from the Piedmont region where Barbera calls home. The region of Piedmont reminds Boyd of the Willamette Valley with its rolling hills, rural setting and style of wine, though the grapes grown are different due to the warmer weather. It’s no surprise that many of the Cellar Club trips have been to Italy.
While Barbera is an obscure grape to many Americans, it is popular in Italy as an everyday wine and is grown in most regions in Italy. Barbera is the third most planted grape in Italy after Sangiovese and Montepulciano.
Barbera is believed to have come from Monferrate in central Piedmont where vineyards date from the 13th Century. Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’ Alba are the designated regions for Barbera.
Barbera wines are dark ruby in color though a lighter style of red wine with flavors of red cherries, and berries, low tannins, and good acidity. These wines can be enjoyed young as everyday drinking wine or aged in oak barrels to enhance the flavors. Barbera pairs well with cured meats, cheese, steak, and truffles.
Boyd has had his eye on obtaining Barbera grapes for a long time. Finally Mike Saucer owner of Red Willow Vineyard, where many of our beloved grapes come from, became available so we jumped at the opportunity.
Our Barbera shows the classic style of Piedmont with bright red cherries and wonderful acidity. This wine will marry with the richness of many dishes both light and hearty. Red meats and even salmon can be a gorgeous pairing because of the acidity. Our Barbera will pair well with pasta and red sauce. Barbera wine is a classic red wine that has appeared on Italian dining tables for centuries due to its easy-drinking nature and rich, acidic fruity profile.
Our 2020 Red Willow Vineyard, Barbera will be available in September and retails for $28.00 We only produced 50 cases so it will not be included the Cellar Club shipment so if you are interested in tasting it, please set a tasting appointment. We know you are going to enjoy Barbera!