A friend brought this unusual wine to dinner Fri night:
1. Araldica Fazzoletto Barbera Passito Dd'OC: Piemonte (14.5%; Lionstone International/LakeForest/IL) Araldica Castelvero/Viale Pietro Laudano/Castel Boglione 2017: Very dark color; strong very ripe Barbera/licorice/chocolaty classic Barbera/spic/Italian dried herbs some complex bit rustic/earthy slight toasty/oak nose; very tart/tangy/bit acidic very ripe Barbera/rustic/earthy ripe/licorice/spicy/dried Italian herbs bit hard/rough flavor w/ ample hard tannins; very long ripe/Barbera/spicy/Italian herbs/licorice bit earthy/rustic s ome complex finish w/ some hard chewy tannins; a bit like a Recioto in ripeness but not at all overripe or raisened; an unusual rendition of Barbera w/ the LateHrvst grapes attenuating somewhat the fierce Barbera acids & tannins. $20.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. The btl comes adorned by a small Fazzoletto Rosso, a red kerchief that was worn by the Resistance fighters during WWII, symbolizing freedom & rebellion. It is made from Barbera grapes grown in the MonferattoHills. Some 20% of the grapes are left on the vines for a month to attain super ripeness, then blended into the original wine to soften the usually fierce acidity of Barbera. A pretty interesting rendition of Piemonte Barbera.
Tom