2021 Elvio Cogno Barbera D'Alba Bricco dei Merli, Piedmont

The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli (with 10,000 bottles produced) shows a beautifully fruity, almost juicy personality that paints an authentic portrait of this grape. The Congo winemaking team has worked out its approach to elegant wines. This Barbera does not show any of the excesses, like sourness or too much acidity, that can sometimes characterize Barbera when made in less capable hands.

I notice that the brand name seems to be transitioning away from Elvio Cogno to Cogno, at least in terms of how it appears on the front label.

93 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

A typical piedmonts’ wine, well-structured and suitable for ageing, in which wood and fruit blend to maintain intact the characteristics and typicality of the grape varietal. True to Cogno tradition, its principal qualities are its drinkability and freshness. A wine with a define character, capable of showing the terroir of the Langhe.

Bright ruby red in color with clear crimson highlights. Deep, fully perfumed, elegant and well-balanced with reminiscent of roses, undergrowth, wild berries and oriental spices. A powerful bouquet, sweetened by overall softness. Fine structure accompanied by vibrant freshness. Flavors evoke Morello cherries and plum jam with a long finish of raisins.

Pair with tasty dishes such as ragout-pasta and red meat or medium-mature to soft, fatty cheeses.