Morello cherry, dried rose petal, tart raspberry compote. Dehydrated strawberry, brown mushroom, crunchy red currant. Dried cranberry, bilberry, and pulverized orange highlight a mildly plush yet lively and wild-fruited attack coursing with hints of oregano, bay leaf, and dried garden herbs. Juniper, cedarwood, and menthol provide a pleasant punch of developing natural tones while forest floor and peat moss bring intriguing organic delight. A waft of perfumed florals and potpourri accentuates a subtle streak of higher-toned aromatics further complicated by thyme, parsley, and bougainvillea. Impressively vibrant and alive on the palate with mild suggestions of bottle age appearing throughout its balanced and expressive presentation. Thoroughly classic and even a bit rustic despite its surprisingly plump fruit core; featuring distinct notes of iron, worn leather, and dusty earth that reveal its old world origins. Medium in body with elevated grainy tannin and bright acidity. This 2014 Barbera d'Asti Superiore by Ricossa Antica Casa is a characterful, fun, and delicious Italian red from Piedmont.

While most wine-related conversations involving Italy's Piedmont region typically revolve around the Nebbiolo grape, this region is also home to a number of other wonderful native varieties that are frequently made into exceptional wine. This bottling, crafted by Ricossa Antica Casa using Barbera sourced from the commune of Asti, proves that even some of the less prestigious grapes of Piedmont are worthy of attention. Now at 6 years of age this wine still contains a bevy of plump fruit dramatically complicated by herbal, forest, and organic notes. It exhibits nice development and packs the structure to suggest it will continue to improve for years to come. Definitely an interesting and incredible value