The 2008 Barbaresco Tre Stelle opens to a saturated, rich color and delivers a pretty mix of dark fruit backed by evolved tones of saddle leather and dried tobacco. Candied cherry, licorice, cola and balsam herb lift from the glass. The tannins are smooth and extra fine in texture. Drink: 2015-2026.
Giovanna Rizzolio and her lovely family (including husband Italo and sons Riccardo and Davide) are rising stars in the Tre Stelle area of Barbaresco. They own 1.5 hectares in the 15-hectare Tre Stelle cru. Although her family made wine as far back as 1948 (she has a few dusty bottles left in her photogenic cellars), her winemaking efforts start with the 1999 vintage. Her total holdings include 3.6 hectares of vines and production has reached 20,000 bottles.
Various American Importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; La Famiglia Corona, Baton Rouge, LA; tel. (225) 650-9030; Cream Wine Company, Chicago, IL; tel. (321) 421-1900