Barbera is a variety that not many people know about. In fact, I would go as far to say that most wine drinkers would not be familiar with Barbera at all. Shame really because it is a good alternative to the usual suspects of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and blends of these three.
Confucius once said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” I think this is true when it comes to Barbera. Clearly, the crew at First Ridge could see the beauty in the variety and it shows when you see such good examples as this one. I think more people will see the beauty in Barbera, sooner rather than later.
Region: Mudgee, NSW Price: $45 Source: Samples thanks kindly to First Ridge and Define Wine
It’s a beautiful, deep, glossy purple colour as it sits in the glass from where aromas of dark fruits emanate with a slight herbal note too. The slightly better than medium bodied palate is packed with plenty of flavour thanks to blackberries and dark cherries showing the way. There’s a good plummy mid-palate feel, a little chocolaty influence, a nice touch of oak and gentle tannins all having a say as it finishes nice and long. A wonderful wine indeed.
Words from a Wine Glass 