Medium ruby color; black cherry, blackberry, plum, raspberry, strawberry, spice, oak on the nose and palate.
Dry; low-medium tannins; bracing acidity. Bright, fresh. Vibrant dark fruit. Medium body—barbera is famous for being rich with some body, but tasting like a lighter bodied wine because of its low tannin and high acidity. This is an every day sipper that especially shines with comfort food, pizza, and tomato-sauce dishes. Rich, lush if not complex or layered. Barbera is an every day table wine for lunch and dinner in Italy, and this is nice example. 13% ABV
Barbera often is called the little brother to nebbiolo, its fellow grape in Italy’s Piedmont. The grape, however, is the most widely planted red grape in Piedmont. It produces fresh, lighter-body (than nebbiolo) wines with low tannins and high acidity. It sometimes is compared with mourvèdre and merlot, although all three grapes have their own distinctive attributes. Barbera yearns to over-produce, so quality barbera requires significant pruning attention to each plant to limit yield.
MGM Mondo del Vino is an important Italian producer founded in 1991 by Alfeo Martini, Roger Gabb, and Christoph Mack (thus the MGM). In 2005, the founders sold a significant portion of their shares to their management team, and in 2013 the operation became part of of Mondodelvino S.p.A. group. The group includes multiple estates and operates the Mondodelvine Wine Experience center and museum in Priocca. Mondo del vino is Italian for “world of wine.”
MGM Mondo del Vino Riva Leone Barbera, Piemonte DOC 2021 is straightforward effort that is true to barbera’s lower tannins, higher acidity, rich dark fruits character. Works well as the first red wine in multi-course meal. Good everyday sipper. Pair with Italian cuisine in general; pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces (Italian refer to barbera as the “red sauce wine); pizza; risotto with mushrooms or truffles; Italian sausage; grilled or roasted pork; braised lamb; veal; wild game; comfort foods—meatloaf, burgers and sliders, beef burritos; eggplant parmesan; roasted root vegetables; can work with grilled or blackened fatty fish—salmon, tuna, swordfish; charcuterie board. Cheese—fondita, robiola, gorgonzola, pecorino toscano, blue cheese. $12-15
