Ba Ba Bah Ba Ba Barbaresco – on a Budget!

Fast facts:

• 2015 Barreri & Rovati Barbaresco Riserva, Barbaresco, Italy ($19.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)

In the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy, the Nebbiolo grape stands high above the rest. The Nebbiolo grape produces powerful wines. has two personalities—the dark, brutish wines of Barolo (which stand up to long aging better) and the elegant, striking – and approachable – wines of Barbaresco.

These Barbaresco wines are often light in color (much like a Pinot Noir) but filled with bright berry flavors mixed with flavors of earth, baking spices, and red fruits.

These wines have high acidity and tannin, so they are best after a couple years of aging. Once they get a few years in bottle, they reveal invigorating aromas of tart cranberries and cherries, cardamom, potpourri, and dry earth. They are generally a lighter reddish orange in color, but they are not light on flavor. Just like this one, which comes ready for enjoying given its 6 years of aging.

Tasting Notes:

Ruby red color leaning towards garnet in the glass.  Aromas of red fruits, violets, strawberries and vanilla. Dried berries, cinnamon, licorice and herb notes in the mouth. Full soft tannins bring fruit to long finish ending with some pleasant earthiness. This wine would pair well with classic Italian fare made from red sauces, pizza of course as well as more elegant dishes including duck and spinach pasta with truffle shavings.

Next time you are hunkered down at home trying to hide from Omicron, treat yourself to this wine with some takeout Italian.

Need More Wine Picks from Trader Joe’s – or Costco?

If your search for this wine lands you in Trader Joe’s, take along our handy Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.

And if your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.

Happy hunting.

Cheers!