2022 Mauro Molino Barbera D'Asti Leradici, Piedmont

Intense in color, this Barbera wafts out of the glass with aromas of plum jam, dried violets and savory spices. A firm backbone on the palate provides space for poached plums, cherries and mulling spice finishing with polished tannins and vibrant acidity.

90 points wineenthusiast.com

This is rich and chocolaty with dark-fruited character and hints of licorice and dark cedar. Medium-bodied with firm, slightly sandy tannins and a juicy, fruit-driven mid-palate. Succulent finish. Drink now.

90 points jamessuckling.com

Barbera thrives in the rolling hills of Asti and Mauro Molino’s Leradici is a wonderfully expressive example of the variety’s charm and energy. Although the Molino family is best known for their Barolo wines from La Morra, their Barbera bottlings show the same thoughtful vineyard focus and polished winemaking. Fruit for Leradici comes from carefully tended sites where calcareous soils and warm exposures help build ripe flavour while the grape’s naturally high acidity keeps everything vibrant and food friendly.

A deep ruby purple hue fills the glass with youthful brightness. Aromas feel generous and inviting with black cherry, plum and blueberry layered alongside violet, sweet spice and a gentle savoury earthiness. There is an appealing lift that keeps the wine lively. The palate is medium to full bodied and juicy, dark berry fruit flowing effortlessly across bright acidity that gives the wine its signature drive. Subtle notes of liquorice, cocoa and warm stone bring added depth, while soft tannins guide the wine into a long, fruit rich yet savoury finish.

This is the kind of Barbera that makes Italian cooking feel effortless and joyful. Think rich tomato based pasta, grilled sausages with herbs, lasagne or roasted eggplant with parmesan shared at a bustling table. Drinking beautifully now for its plush fruit and freshness, though it will evolve nicely over four to six years as savoury complexity builds. A characterful and authentic Barbera d’Asti that reflects Mauro Molino’s instinct for balance and regional expression.