The 2009 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza Generala delivers a dark, penetrating color with oak-driven tones of toasted hazelnut and spice box over ripe notes of Maraschino cherry and blackberry jam. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Located in Nizza Monferrato at the heart of the Barbera d’Asti production zone, Bersano is run by two families (the Massimelli and the Soave). Although they produce a long list of wines including Barolo, Barbaresco and Moscato d’Asti, Barbera is at the heart of their identity. Importer: Vin di Vino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700

Smoky red fruits nose, lively, zest, attractive oak. Rich, fleshy, exuberant. Oaky but nicely balanced and fresh too. Good length.

The 2001 Barbera d’Asti Generala, fresh, long, and very spicy in aroma, offers good fullness and density on the palate, ripe plum fruit, well integrated oak, and a tasty, persistent finish. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2008. Importer: 5 Star, Plainview, NY; tel. (516) 845-4766