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| ~ Cantina Oddero: Perched high atop the Langhe Hills ~ |
When most people think of Barbera, I suspect their first inclination would be to recall examples from Alba. Perhaps rightfully so, as more producers make wine from that commune than from any other Barbera zone. And many writers, this one included, have often extolled the virtues of Barbera d’Alba over the others. It’s often slightly more complex, and a bit fuller in body. However, as with any generality, there are exceptions to the rule. And the subject of today’s article is one such example.
Cantina Oddero is a classic producer of a wide array of Piedmontese wines. In fact, not too long ago on these very pages, I reviewed their Barbera d’Alba. Today, their example from Asti.
The 2010 Oddero Barbera d’Asti Superiore is a bright, dark ruby color. That brightness seems to transcend through the entire experience, for the nose and palate of this wine seem to jump with just that sort of vibrancy. The aroma is full of bright cherry, spices and a hint of sweet tobacco. On the palate, the one aspect of Barbera d’Asti that I find problematic (higher acidity) is very well balanced in this wine. The juicy cherry fruit is well toned, with lots of fennel, spice, sweet tobacco and minerals that add complexity. Everything is in the right proportion and very elegantly put together and the wine shows slightly more body than the average Barbera from Asti. This owing to the Superiore designation, which mandates an additional year of aging prior to release.
This is delicious wine and may be the best Barbera d’Asti I’ve ever tasted. It may not be cheap enough to treat as a “House Red” but it’s definitely worth grabbing a few and enjoying them over the next 3-5 years. Well done indeed. 93 points, about $22.
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| ~ The 2010 Oddero Barbera d’Asti Superiore even sports a cool label ~ |
You can find out more about Oddero in my interview with Cristina here: TuscanVines Interview
John, recently I had Ed comment on my blog, he tried to steer me to a wine reviewer he used, I said a few things in response, but of note was my comment that I have a few reviewers that I let steer my wine purchases; you are one of them! This wine I'd be glad to find in NH!
Thx,
Dennis
Thank you Sir, I appreciate that. Am I supposed to know Mr. Ed? 🙂
No! I'm not sure U want to; if he is the guy I'm thinking of, he drinks only French wines, period! He posts anonymously.
Ok, I've been getting lots of anonymous spam comments lately tat I've had to take care of.