Wine Road Podcast: Ed Morris , Winemaker at River Road Family Wines

 Eposide  210 --Ed Morris, Winemaker at River Road Family Wines

Varietal of the Month: Barbera

 

Barbera, a variety native to Italy, can vary in flavor depending on where it’s grown; be it warm or cool climate, and how it is produced. Wines from cool climes tend to display brighter tart red fruits and warmer climes show deeper berry fruit flavors. Typically Barbera is delightfully spicy with good acidity, and tends toward medium to light tannins with a smooth finish. FUN FACT: A little know rumor claims the name of the character played by John Travolta on the 70’s TV show Welcome Back Kotter, was chosen by one of the writers as a subtle nod to his favorite Italian grape— Vitis vinfiera Barbera —Vinnie Barbarino.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Barbera you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Carol Shelton 2022 Barbera D’ Oakley, Planchon Vineyard, Contra Costa County

 

The Carol Shelton 2022 Barbera D’ Oakley is blended with Zinfandel and Merlot.

It has a soft aromatic nose of cherry, cocoa and strawberry. On the palate it’s smooth and silky with medium tannins and good acidity that supports flavors of tart pomegranate, black cherry and blackberry. Secondary notes of dried strawberry, licorice and black pepper come through on the long spicy finish. Pair with Eggplant Parmigianino. NOTE: I had the pleasure of tasting this vintage previously and it has deepened with evolved. It’s always fun and educational to taste a particular vintage over several years if you can.

 

ABV 13.5%

$32

 

Foppiano Vineyards 2022 Cook House Barbera, Russian River Valley

 

The Foppiano Vineyards 2022 Cook House Barbera, from Russian River Valley is a deep ruby color with a magnificent nose of mocha, rose petals, violet, and plum.

On the palate notes of strawberry, boysenberry, mocha, tart cherry and a pleasing note of minty graphite, much like garrigue. Great balance and structure with light grip of tannins and long spicy-herbal-menthol-cherry finish that is quite delicious and satisfying. Pair with pear and gorgonzola pizza.

 

ABV 14.1%

$55

 

Orsi Family 2022 Barbera, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Orsi Family 2022 Barbera, Dry Creek Valley is deep garnet in the glass. On the nose, light scent of pomegranate, anise, and cherry. On the palate the flavors are tart and juicy with notes of dried strawberry, blackberry, cranberry, tart cherry and fleshy dark plum. It has all the earmarks of classic Italian style Barbera with great acidity and loads of licorice, black plum, strawberry, cherry, and an earthy note of tobacco. The initial taut tannins mellow with time in glass. Pair with aged salami and goat cheese crostini.

 

13.9%

$44

 

Peterson 2020 Barbera Tollini Vineyard, Mendocino

 

The Peterson 2020 Barbera is from the Tollini Vineyard in Mendocino. This Barbera has an impish heart and soul that will charm your palate and capture your imagination. On the nose, fleshy black cherry, plum, and garrigue (think mint and thyme). On the palate, it builds steadily with flavors of dried strawberry, sour cherry, cranberry, and black pepper. With time in the glass it comes alive with a juicy vibrancy that carries though to the bright spicy finish. Pair with a creamy mushroom risotto and go heavy on the Parmesan.

 

ABV 14.3%

$24

 

 

Russian River Vineyards 2021 Barbera, Sonoma Mountain Morning Sun Vineyard

 

The Russian River Vineyards 2021 Barbera from Sonoma Mountain, Moring Sun Vineyard is deep garnet in the glass. On the nose, aromas of cocoa dust, blackberry, cherry and a delightful hint of bright strawberry. On the palate the flavors are tart and juicy with notes of dried strawberry, blackberry, cranberry, tart cherry and fleshy dark plum. Bright acidity and medium sandy tannins deliver a mouthful of deep lip-smacking flavor. Rich, balanced, and tremendously nuanced with long juicy finish. Pair with deep fried green olives and blue cheese.

 

ABV 14.9%

$57

 

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2021 Barbera, Home Ranch Vineyard, Alexander Valley

 

The Seghesio Family Vineyards 2021 Barbera is from the Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley. The nose is an intriguing bouquet of mocha, dusty blackberry, nutmeg and earthy tobacco. Tart and bright with vibrant acidity it’s bursting with flavors of black and red cherry, plum, licorice, leather and black pepper. The tannins transpose from a light grip to long and silky with a juicy and spicy finish. Enjoy with pumpkin sage ravioli.

 

ABV 14.5%

$45

 

Wine Road Podcast: Davero Farms & Winery

 Episode 209 - Elizabeth Miller, Director of Sales at DaVero Farms & Winery