Franco Serra Barbera d'Alba, 2020

Although the price has been creeping up, this is one of the least expensive Barberas on the market...and certainly the best value. I have enjoyed it year after year over the past decade or two.

Medium ruby with some garnet tones. Cherries, violets, chocolate, black pepper. Barbera acidity with a tannic backbone. A pleasant rustic texture. Some might find woody tones even though it was aged in stainless steel and has never seen oak. Doing quite well in its sixth year.

Franco Serra also has a good Nebbiolo d'Alba, a Barolo and a Barbaresco, all priced well below that of most competitors.