Cascina La Barbatella -- 'Ruanera' Monferrato Rosso

“Where passion and intelligence meet good grapes, excellence arises.”

Angelo Sonvico and Giuliano Noè founded Cascina la Barbatella in 1982, and were swiftly criticized by their peers for seemingly compromising their Barbera vineyard by planting “international” varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. It’s true, the Italians revere their tradition, and rightly so! However the right mix of tradition and modernity, when carried out with “passion, intelligence, and good grapes,” can yield greatness. This is the first wine I myself have tasted that is a blend of Cab and Barbera and I am loving it. You get all the weighty heft of the Cab’s tannins, and then the Barbera swoops in to lift you back up again for another sip.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Barbera 40%

Region: Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy

Good To Know: Hand-harvested, fermentation in stainless for 2 weeks, aged 6 months stainless plus additional 12 months in neutral French barrique