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Bourgogno Barbera, Just Right

2009 Borgogno Barbera 

OK, I'll be honest, this producer is nostalgic for me. When I was a kid growing up in New Jersey, one of my idols was my Sicilian grandfather... Grandpa Lanza. Grandpa Lanza loved to cook, grow things and make wine. He lived in Staten Island and would host most of the important family gatherings. My love affair with food all started under his gentle guidance. While he drank simple wines most of the time, he would occasionally buy something special for the holidays. I distinctly recall one Thanksgiving Dinner where the turkey sat like a figurehead amongst caponata, sausage, baked pasta and other Italian delights. On the table that day was a bottle of Borgogne Barolo. The label today is unchanged from what it was in the early '70's. Back then it was among precious few serious Italian wines imported into the US. Borgogno is now with Domaine Select and representing them is somewhat of a coming full-circle for me. There is a little of the '09 Barbera to be had, ('09 being very good for Dolcetto and Barbera) and I can't help but strongly recommend it. It's deep, soft and savoury with a gentle structure which bespeaks it's traditional methods. More redfruited, ethereal and nuanced than most Barbera, it's a terrific value. As you can see in the picture, I also suggest decanting. I'm having it tonight with Roast Chicken and Vegetables with Lentils.

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