The Bruno Rocca 2019 Barbera d'Asti shows a rich and darkly concentrated appearance, with ripe fruit and plenty of blackberry. The wine unfolds to succulent layers of fruit all framed by sharp tones of crushed mineral, spice and tar. It spreads evenly over the palate with lots of pretty intensity. Barbera fruit from Asti is distinguished by that extra note of freshness, and it comes though clearly in this balanced vintage. This release of 5,000 bottles would be a nice wine for a well-marbled steak.

The Bruno Rocca 2018 Barbera d'Asti shows a lot of character with a strongly developed side that shows ripe black fruit, contrasted against a savory side with tobacco and garden soil. These territory-driven themes give the wine a deep sense of authenticity, with the kind of immediate, food-friendly personality that makes it the perfect choice for hand-kneaded pasta or wood-oven pizza with sourdough crust. To the palate, the wine delivers a good amount of fruit weight and balanced freshness. These are two more important traits when serving the wine next to a regional Italian pasta dish. It ages in French oak for a brief 12 months for added spice and structure.

The 2016 Barbera d'Asti is vinified in precisely the same manner as the estate's Barbera d'Alba, so you get a fun opportunity to taste the territorial differences between these two Barbera hot spots. Compared to Alba, the grape from Asti (near Nizza) tends to show more crunch and bite. There is a sharper and more tonic quality of fruit here, and you are more aware of the natural acidity as well. Compared to Alba's more broad and horizontal approach, this wine is upright and vertical. This wine was released in January 2018.

A taut, intense, cherry-flavored red, with firm tannins for support. Earth and tobacco notes add interest as the tight grip closes in on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 500 cases made, 250 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Asti Select to Add

A sleek, racy style, yet with saturated flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and pomegranate studded with tobacco and spice. A firm grip and freshness drives the long finish. Drink now through 2019. 915 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Asti Select to Add