This is a solid example of the quality you can find in Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG. As I mentioned above, I’m super picky when it comes to Barbera — and I knew this one was a keeper from the very first sip. The Scrimaglio family has occupied this territory since the 17th century and played a key role in revitalizing the Barbera d’Asti region, as well as in the elevation of the Nizza subregion to DOCG status. I learned all of this after tasting the wine — and it all made perfect sense.

In the glass, it’s deeply pigmented with an oxblood core and a purple-tinged rim. Aromas of ripe dark fruits, black plum, and underbrush fill the glass. This is a wine that deserves a glass designed for a full-bodied red. The palate is generous and smooth as silk, gliding across the mid-palate with a crunchy freshness that belies the ripeness of the fruit. It expands softly, coating the palate completely, and finishes long and clean with just a touch of vanilla on the exhale.