Abbona Barbera d'Alba Rinaldi 2009

Marziano Abbona's cellars are located in Dogliani, the very heart of Piedmont. Here, he owns some of the most coveted vineyard sites, producing suprb wines.  Even some of the most traditional Piedmontese producers concede that  barriques do have a benefit to flavour when it comes to Barbera, which is naturally poor in tannins and high in acidity. The use of barriques softens the acidity, whilst bolstering the structure. This Barbera is a deep, dark, purple wine full of extract, berries and a warm, spicy undertone. The oak used was French, American and Austrian. Whilst big on flavour, it is polished and fine to the end. Drinking well now in 2011, and will do so for another 3 - 4 years.