Your "in a pinch" grape or blend

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Dan Donahue

Dan Donahue
Dinner plans got derailed by an early winter storm, so we decided to have some pasta and pizza delivered. After a quick glance through some racks I pulled the '04 Sella Coste della Sesia Orbello. Popped and poured. This blend was quite tasty and a hit with everyone. Good value for a moderate price.

Now the blend is 50% Barbera and I realized that Barbera has, over the last year or so--become my go to grape. Something that I can pull on short notice without worrying excessively about bottle age, sediment, decanting or even (to a lesser extent) food matches. Factor in a reasonable price and I have my go to variety.

So what is yours?
 
originally posted by Dan Donahue:
Your "in a pinch" grape or blendDinner plans got derailed by an early winter storm, so we decided to have some pasta and pizza delivered. After a quick glance through some racks I pulled the '04 Sella Coste della Sesia Orbello. Popped and poured. This blend was quite tasty and a hit with everyone. Good value for a moderate price.

Now the blend is 50% Barbera and I realized that Barbera has, over the last year or so--become my go to grape. Something that I can pull on short notice without worrying excessively about bottle age, sediment, decanting or even (to a lesser extent) food matches. Factor in a reasonable price and I have my go to variety.

So what is yours?
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I can honestly say that the only time I have had Barbera is either when this was a theme to a tasting OR when someone served it to me... I have never gone to it directly
 
Dan, I think Barbera is way under-rated. I'm drinking one tonight, a Vittorio Bera + Figli Barbera d'Asti Ronco Malo. It's my first experience with the wine, and it has exceeded my expectations. I can't remember what I payed for it, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap. It is very good. Beautiful red rose aromas intermixed with black cherries, and drinks like you just popped in a couple of fresh black cherries. Very pretty and easy, like a good first date.

"Go to wines" on an ordinary night- riesling, barbera, dolcetto, pinot noir, cotes du rhones...
 
Go to is whatever's on sale at Astor. Tonight it's Chilean riesling, Brazilian pinot noir and a Vin de Pays des Coteaux de Peyriac carignan.
 
Can someone suggest some non oaky versions?

I like the grape, but find a lot of them are really over powered with new wood flavors.

I tried the '06 Bera this summer and it was in a weird phase, either closed or travel shocked and it was not too enjoyable. I'll give it another try.

Joe - get well soon.
 
originally posted by Marc D:
BarberaCan someone suggest some non oaky versions?

I like the grape, but find a lot of them are really over powered with new wood flavors.

I tried the '06 Bera this summer and it was in a weird phase, either closed or travel shocked and it was not too enjoyable. I'll give it another try.

Joe - get well soon.
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I'm drinking the 2005
 
Marc D,

I'm not oak-aversive so YMMV, but I find that the less expensive cuvees from Giacosa, Vietti and Boroli all keep the oak influence in check. The Sella blend that started this thread was also light on oak (but very influenced by the 25% Nebbiolo).

The Giacosa Barbera Superiore Falletto does see some oak, but I still find it very tasty. There is a Conterno Barbera Cascina Francia that is getting a lot of press that I'd like to try.
 
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