Wine of the Week: 2012 Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba

This Barbera from one of Piedmont’s oldest wineries is a lovely surprise: full and deep in flavor, with notes of plum, spice and chocolate. It shows elegance and balance. The wine, vivid and food-friendly, is aged in a combination of large oak casks and, for the last few months, smaller French oak barrels.

Barbera’s bright acidity means it works well with salumi and sausages. It’s a great pasta wine too, and wouldn’t say no to a roast chicken or some grilled pork chops.

Region: Piedmont, Italy