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Barbera d'Asti That Captures the Heart of Piedmont at an Everyday Price

Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont's most respected producers, and Le Orme — whose name translates as "the footsteps" or "legacy" — is the estate's flagship Barbera d'Asti. A blend from all four of Chiarlo's Barbera estates in the Nizza area, including the iconic La Court estate, it is grown in Astian sands rich in lime and microelements. Fermented in stainless steel with 10 days of skin maceration, then aged 3 months in large French oak casks before bottling, Le Orme delivers the classic Barbera profile: deep color, fresh red fruit, bright acidity, and effortless drinkability.

Winemaker Notes

Elegant and intense, with notes of fresh mature red fruit — cherry and currant — and the vibrant acidity that defines great Barbera d'Asti. The Barbera grapes grow in light-colored Astian sands rich in lime and microelements, yielding the dark, rich color typical of the variety. Aged in large French oak casks for 3 months, then stainless steel and bottle for a total of 16 months before release.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Barbera
• Appellation: Barbera d'Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: Michele Chiarlo
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: 3 months large French oak, then stainless steel; 16 months total
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Piedmontese pairing — exceptional with pasta al ragù, pizza, grilled sausages, antipasto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore Ca’ di Pian Organic — Piedmont 2023

La Spinetta is one of Piedmont’s most celebrated estates, founded by Giorgio Rivetti in Castagnole delle Lanze. Rivetti is widely credited with modernizing Barbera d’Asti — bringing precision viticulture, organic farming, and meticulous cellar work to a variety long underestimated in the region. Ca’ di Pian, sourced from Castagnole delle Lanze and Costigliole d’Asti, is La Spinetta’s entry-level Barbera — yet it consistently punches well above its price, earning critical acclaim vintage after vintage. The estate farms entirely without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, expressing the purest possible fruit from its Piedmontese terroir.

The 2023 is soft, supple, and immediately captivating. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, and chocolate gives the wine tremendous appeal and versatility. Fresh, fruit-forward, and beautifully balanced — an especially fine edition of this beloved cuvée.

“A terrific value… tons of immediacy and sheer appeal.” — Vinous, 90 Points

• Producer: La Spinetta, Castagnole delle Lanze, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOC
• Vineyard: Ca’ di Pian (Castagnole delle Lanze & Costigliole d’Asti)
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, chocolate
• Best Paired With: Cured meats, soft cheeses, Piedmontese agnolotti, roast veal, grilled meats, mushroom dishes

Giorgio Rivetti’s benchmark Barbera — organic, expressive, and one of Piedmont’s great values under $30.

Winemaker Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The Frasca family has 22 hectares of vineyard in Nizza, with vines averaging 30 years of age. Their 2020 Barbera Nizza DOCG opens with an inviting bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with notes of violet, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, showcasing intense flavors of ripe black fruits, licorice, and a touch of dark chocolate, balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering hints of fruit, spice, and subtle oak nuances.

Winemaker Description

A wonderfully food-friendly Barbera from one of our favorite producers in Piedmont. Ruby red and medium-bodied with light cherry fruit and great acidity. Lovingly made from organically grown grapes.

Tabaren (from the French “tabarin”) was a venue used for theatre plays, art, and dancing. We are all better dancers after a couple of glasses of wine.

About Icardi

Icardi is a family-run estate based in Castagnole Monferrato in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, farming organically across their vineyards in the Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato appellations. The Icardi family has long been committed to sustainable, organic viticulture — allowing the Barbera grape to express its natural vibrancy, bright acidity, and cherry-driven fruit without synthetic intervention. Their Tabaren bottling is a perennial favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers for its effortless drinkability, food versatility, and honest expression of Piedmontese Barbera at an accessible price.

Food Pairings

Pizza, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, grilled chicken, antipasto, salumi, mild cheeses, and vegetable dishes. One of the most versatile food wines in the cellar — equally at home with a weeknight dinner or a long Italian lunch.

Product Details

• Producer: Icardi
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera 100%
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Medium-bodied, bright, food-friendly Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

Producer Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The wine presents itself with an intense garnet red hue, complemented by alluring purple reflections. Its bouquet is both deep and intricate, revealing a delightful combination of fruity aromas dominated by cherry and plum, while subtle undertones of chocolate add an intriguing layer of complexity. Upon tasting, the wine showcases a full-bodied and harmonious profile, where the luscious flavors of red fruits intertwine seamlessly with almond-like notes. This captivating blend culminates in a pleasantly harmonious and enduring finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Fragrances of dark berries, violets, and earthy notes rise delicately from the glass. The vibrant and lively palate offers flavors of red cherries, crushed raspberries, and a subtle truffle undertone, complemented by refreshing acidity and smooth, refined tannins.

Renato Ratti Battaglione — Barbera d'Asti 2024

Named after the heroic Piedmontese regiments of the XVIII Century, the Battaglione is Renato Ratti's flagship Barbera d'Asti — and the 2024 vintage delivers everything that made this label an icon. Sourced from estate vineyards in the Asti hills, the wine is crafted to showcase Barbera at its most expressive: ripe, generous, and immediately seductive, yet with the structure and acidity to hold its own at any table. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 93 points. At this price, it is one of the most compelling values in all of Piedmont.

The nose is intense and inviting: ripe red and dark fruits, wild berries, and a delicate spice background that adds intrigue without weight. On the palate, it is full-flavored and pleasantly fruited, with lush texture and bright acidity that keeps every sip lively. The finish is long and persistent — elegant, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying.

Wine Enthusiast 93 — "Mixed berries lounge in a hammock, showing exactly why Barbera earned its reputation as comfort wine with class."

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Barbera d'Asti DOC
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, oak aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruits, wild berries, spice, bright acidity, long persistent finish
• Best Paired With: Hearty pasta dishes, braised meats, pizza, rustic Italian fare

A 93-point Barbera d'Asti at an honest price — Renato Ratti's Battaglione is the benchmark for what Piedmont's most food-friendly grape can be.

Winemaker Description 

Aromas of red currant, raspberry and cherry flow from the glass. Notes of dark chocolate, fresh thyme and warm forest floor are joined. 

The Pescaja family works according to the three letters in their name, SCA (Sole, Cuore, Anima). Care for nature and simplicity is our foundation. That is why the sun is so important to us, it is synonymous with terroir and microclimate. Heart, instead, the energy of every new company is and is it the creative ideas. We use our spaces to give the products soul and personality, which are strong and unique in their style.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

This 100% Barbera wine is produced from a Monferrato vineyard that is 20 to 30 years old. The soil contains white marl and tends to be calcareous.

This wine has a red color with intense purple tones and a fruit nose with light spice notes. It has a persistent flavor reminiscent of currants, violets, cherries and vanilla.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Deep red with purple tones in the beginning, changing to garnet red throughout its aging process. The bouquet brings out notes of berries, marmalade, violets, vanilla, fig and almonds, with slight smoky hues. Dry, elegant, harmonious and full-bodied with typical acidic notes during its juvenile stage. Becomes more round and complex over the years obtaining a soft finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Wine Characteristics: Variety: 100% Barbera. Winemaking: Aged for twelve months in French oak barrels. Color: Cherry red. Aroma: Red fruits with notes of tobacco and smoke. Palate: Straightforward attack, with an elegant and mature tannic structure, good acidity, and a velvety finish. Texture: Silky Production and Aging: Santo Tomás Barbera Red Wine is made from 100% Barbera grapes. Its twelve-month aging in French oak barrels gives it complexity and character.">

Aroma: Red fruits with notes of tobacco and smoke. Palate: Straightforward attack, with an elegant and mature tannic structure, good acidity, and a velvety finish. Texture: Silky Production and Aging: Santo Tomás Barbera Red Wine is made from 100% Barbera grapes. Its twelve-month aging in French oak barrels gives it complexity and character.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada | Senior Wine Buyer | Xipella” refers to a local Catalan dialect spoken in the Conca de Barberà area. This blend of Samsó (Carignan) and Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with dark fruit — think blackberries, black cherries, and black plum — supported by vibrant acidity and a beautifully persistent finish. An ideal  companion for poultry stews, hanger steak, or grilled tuna.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaking and aging | The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature between 25 and 28 °C. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in new and used barrels for 12 to 16 months.

Tasting note | Red wine of intense colour. Powerful ripe fruit aroma, notes of mineral and oak barrel. In the mouth, it presents friendly and tempting, with smooth, well-integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Type of vine | Vines located in the area of the cellar, at an altitude of 470 meters.

Memo Summary Notes

Samso, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Clos Mont-Blanc Xipella Negre 2021 is a sophisticated red blend from the Conca de Barberà region in Catalonia, Spain. Known for its balance of indigenous and international varieties, this vintage offers a modern expression of a historic wine-growing area.

The Conca de Barberà DO is unique for its limestone soils and high-altitude vineyards (around 470 meters for this specific wine). This elevation provides a thermal contrast between day and night, which helps preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes, preventing the wine from feeling overly heavy despite its ripeness.

Producer Notes

Marietta Cellars has been crafting their Old Vine Red blend in Sonoma County since 1980, releasing it in numbered lots — each one a unique expression of the vintage. Lot 74 is a Zinfandel-based blend of old vine fruit, incorporating Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, and Barbera. It jumps out of the glass with lovely bright plum fruit — dark and focused with notes of briar patch and black tea. Medium-bodied with sweet spice, velvety tannins, and electric vibrancy. A wine that strikes a perfect balance between fruit-forward enjoyment and layered sophistication.

Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, Barbera

Expert Reviews

• Robert Parker 93 pts | Spicy and easy to drink with aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate, and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish.

Food Pairings

• BBQ ribs or grilled sausages
• Braised short ribs or lamb chops
• Pizza, burgers, or hearty pasta
• Aged cheddar or smoked gouda

This is the largest glass in the Zalto line, and can actually hold a full bottle of wine, though you would never guess that because despite its size, the glass itself still feels light and agile in your hand. The design was not based on being the largest just for the sake of it- as with the entire line, the angles follow that of the Earth tilt angles of 24, 48 and 72 degrees. 

The size here is to allow for your biggest, most powerful and expressive wines to fully breathe and develop. For the alcohol to integrate with the fruit notes; the acid to balance the tannins (and, when necessary, the oak.)

Use this glass with mighty Cabernets and Chardonnays, the most powerful Nebbiolo, Barbaresco, Barolo and Barberas, and Pinots that lean towards the fruit-bomb style. It is also fascinating to see what an older vintage, more complex white wine will do here, such as a cellared Gruner Veltliner Smaragd or Reserve.

The height of the glass is 9.1 inches and it is 4.9 inches at its widest part. The volume capacity is 960 ml.

All Zalto glasses are lead free. We recommend using a dishwasher rather than hand washing.

Winemaker Description 

The name derives from Moresco, the previous owner of the parcel in Pajorè vineyard which was purchased in 1979.

Abundant snowfall and low temperatures led to an unusually severe, rainy winter, followed by a dry spring. Temperatures picked up again in mid-March, accelerating the plant life cycle.

Unfortunately, the cold temperatures returned in early April with icy winds that channeled through the valleys and affected the lower vineyards, especially in the Barbaresco area.

Other Barbaresco vineyards affected by frost recorded minimal losses of 5%. Our Barolo vineyards are located at higher altitudes and survived the frost unscathed. The summer rolled out dramatically with a bright and windy start, hot and violent midseason, characterized by frequent thunderstorms, and ended hot and dry.

While both benefited from thunderstorms that cooled the land, powdery mildew became a real threat in Barbaresco in July. A redeeming rainfall came at the end of August, refreshing the Barbaresco and Barolo vineyards.

2021 was a late vintage, tending to be dry but cool, resulting in wines of great volume and richness marked by savoriness and length, generous even on the nose, with intense and complex aromas.

The two varieties ferment and macerate separately for three weeks. After the malolactic fermentation, they are blended and then aged in oak for 12 months.

A beautiful violet color atypical of Nebbiolo but reflective of the 2021 vintage where fullness and richness are even present to the eye. The wine has bold notes of blackberry, cherry, blood orange, and bergamot with a touch of flintiness. Medium-structured with lots of juiciness and harmony on the palate all lead to well-balanced acidity and tannin structure with a long finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This concentrated Merlot-Zinfandel-Petite Sirah blend brings waves of cherry gastrique, raspberry liqueur, violets and caramel on the nose, while the palate leans into ripe blueberries, dark chocolate and raspberry coulis with expansive texture and velvety tannins.