Can You Tell a Difference in a Barbera from Asti?

Asti is a town in the Piemonte region of Italy. It is a DOCG-recognized wine area, the highest level in Italy. I have heard that specifically looking for a Barbera from Asti is worth the search. Tonight, we will check out this theory.Barbera has a deep ruby color, light to medium body, and is known for its high acid levels. In the past it was known for being a high-production, every-day drinking wine. However, during the past twenty or thirty years, it has become a more serious wine variety, and many different styles can be found. Producers have started aging Barbera in barrels and producing the wine from vineyards with lower yields, which concentrates the juice. The DOC’s have different maximum yield levels, and Asti has the lowest production levels. The best Asti vineyards are planted with Barbera. The best Alba (a nearby town) vineyards are reserved for Nebbiolo.A tell for the style might be the alcohol level. A less concentrated Barbera may have an alcohol content of 11-12%, while a richer, more intense wine can be 13% or higher. Tonight, our two wines are:2022 Lavignone Barbera D’Asti. I purchased this wine from Gateway Market in Des Moines for $24.99.  According to the Wine Enthusiast, the nose on this wine jumps out of the glass with intense aromas of blueberries and plums, followed by violets and warm savory spices. The palate is very primary, with juicy and candied blackberries in the forefront, accompanied by subtle herbal and earthy notes that emerge and recede, finishing with energetic acidity. It received a score of 87 from the Wine Enthusiast, and has 13.5% alcohol. Cooper’s Hawk Barbera features a deep ruby color with a nose of boysenberry, sour cherry, tobacco, and nutmet shifting to a palate with tart berries, full tannins, and noticeable acidity on a persistent finish. It is described as medium-bodied with lively acidity, and the fruit intensity offers notes of ripe cherry and raspberry, with subtle spice and earthiness, and a soft, smooth finish. We both loved the Barbera d'Asti, and rated it a 4. So the next time you want an Italian wine, give it a try.Next week, we will blind taste three differently priced white wines and see if we can find a good affordable white wine.