Take Me to Italy

Cascina Barisel Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2022

Country: Italy
Region: Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Barbera
Style: Dry red wine
RS: 1.4 g/L
Alc./vol. 14.5%

The 2022 Cascina Barisel Barbera d’Asti showcases the best of this variety, demonstrating why I have chosen it as the red wine grape of the Summer. Its deep ruby hue makes promises that are kept in aroma and flavour. As I swirl my glass, the bouquet expands from the scent of black cherry and plum to include the alluring scent of violet. The palate offers Barbera’s classic juicy fruit with notes of cherry, red plum and cranberry trailing off into a noteworthy finish. While its generous depth and fine balance suggest this bottle will continue to develop over the next five years, to me, the beauty of this wine is captured in the moment – with a slightly chilled glass elevating a meal on a warm Ontario evening. – Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine July 2023.

Osvaldo Barberis Dogliani DOCG “Avari” 2021

Country: Italy
Region: Dogliani DOCG
Grape Variety: 100% Dolcetto
Style: Dry red wine
RS: 0.3 g/L
Alc./vol. 14.0%

Osvaldo Barberis considers his Dogliani DOCG “Avari” the most distinctive wine in his cellar. It is certified organic and unfiltered, like all of the wines he produces from his family’s 11 hectares of vines. The “Avari,” named for its early bottling in April, is also made with no sulphites added, allowing for optimal expression of terroir and flavour. Its bouquet intrigues with a fragrance of dark cherry, rose petal and mint. This cool berry profile continues to weave through on the palate with notes of blueberry, cherry and plum. There is good structure to this wine with svelte tannins and fresh acidity in harmony with the fruit. If you are not yet familiar with Piedmont’s Dolchetto grape, Osvaldo Barberis provides an excellent introduction. Drink 2023-2028. Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine July 2023.

Prediomagno Winery Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG 2021

An exceptional wine made from the rare Ruchè variety of Castagnole Monferrato in Italy’s Piedmont region. Its bouquet is perfumed with the scent of rose, cherry, mocha and mint. The palate is equally complex, with an ample red berry fruit foundation kissed with notes of menthol, tea and black pepper. Moderate, well-polished tannins and fresh acidity provide an elegant structure as the wine tapers into a memorable length. Pair with flavourful dishes such as osso bucco or lamb chops with mint dressing. Drink 2023-2026. Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine October 2023