Barba’s 2009 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vignafranca is an attractive wine loaded with juicy dark fruit, tar, licorice and a host of dark aromas and flavors. There is a lot to like in this generous, approachable entry-level wine from Barba. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014. Importer: Michelangelo Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 699-7021

The 2008 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vigna Franca is big, dark and powerful but lacks elegance in both its aromas and flavors. Fourteen months in French oak may have been too much. There is little to suggest this rustic red will improve in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This is a solid set of wines from Barba. As is often the case in the south, the lower-end wines deliver more bang for the buck than the more expensive selections. Importers: Michelangelo Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 699-7021

The 2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Franca is a rich, seamless wine laced with dark fruit, spices, and flowers, all of which are supported by fine, ripe tannins. Tar, smoke and licorice add complexity on the close, while the oak is nicely integrated. The 2007 is a touch more forward than the 2006 tasted alongside it. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. These new releases from Barba point to important strides in quality. The Vigna Franca in particular is much improved over prior versions. Importer: The Charmer Sunbelt Group, NY, NY; tel. (212) 699-7021

The 2006 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Franca is a magnificent wine for the money. Dark cherries, freshly cut flowers and minerals are just some of the nuances that emerge from this vibrant, exquisite Montepulciano. Today the tannins remain a bit firm but the wine should develop beautifully in bottle over the coming years. This is a fabulous bottle for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. These new releases from Barba point to important strides in quality. The Vigna Franca in particular is much improved over prior versions. Importer: The Charmer Sunbelt Group, NY, NY; tel. (212) 699-7021