Manuel Marinacci Barbaresco DOCG 2016

Rich, brooding, complex, and oh-so-yummy! Barbaresco sometimes gets short shrift when compared to its more famous neighbor Barolo in the Italian region of Piemonte. But the wines of this village, also made from the elusive Nebbiolo grape, can be every bit as hauntingly delicious when crafted by the hands of a talented winemaker (and often much more affordable). This lovely 2016 Barbaresco was made with minimal intervention. The grapes were picked by hand and allowed to cold soak to release gorgeous color and blackberry notes prior to fermentation. After three years in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks, the resulting wine is ruby-colored, with enticing aromas of blackcurrant, subtle cherry, balsamic figs, and savory notes. On the palate, bright acidity and fine-grained tannins meld into a long, black cherry flourish.