Vigna Bottin has been growing the McLaren Vale alternative variety of Barbera for over a decade. It is one of northern Italy’s most aristocratic varieties and we love it. The appeal of this grape is its juicy red fruit flavours with more acidity than many other reds balanced with low to moderate level of tannin and the silky dark berry finish.
Fruit quality was excellent with the juice having an almost purple, dark red appearance once crushed. Throughout the development process the colours, aromas and flavours evolved; the colour becoming dark garnet, with fragrant waifs of bruised red berries, cranberries, dark plum, cherries, prune stones, and green and black spice. The flavours are soft, very forward, velvety and ripe with notes of plums, dark fruits and a background mix of blackberry and violets which compliment the soft tannins and perfectly aligned acidity.
So now we have a wine that’s very drinkable; soft yet forward, juicy and dry – a perfect accompaniment to any dish.
Works perfectly with home made sausages, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, grilled or roasted poultry and meats, game and surprisingly chilli. Its soul mate is truffles and pairs beautifully with cheese such as Fontana, Mozzarella and Pecorino Romano.
