Dark red berries, spices and leather are some of the notes that jump from the glass in the 2010 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore. This juicy, joyous wine is loaded with personality and character. Delicious today, it should drink well for at least a few years. A gentle hint of spices lingers on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

The 2009 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore from Bricco Mondalino is an intriguing wine laced with hints of tar, smoke, dark red cherries and licorice. Though medium in body, most of the aromas and flavors tend towards the darker end of the spectrum. This is a bit eccentric, but intriguing at the same time. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Bricco Mondalino’s 2007 Barbera del Monferrato is a red with gorgeous clarity and precision at this level. The soft, perfumed fruit follows through nicely to a long, juicy finish framed by a vein of refreshing acidity. This is a delicious wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

A super value in Barbera, this dark ruby-colored 1997 exhibits admirable opulence, abundant quantities of sweet, jammy, tomato-tinged, plum, and cherry fruit, a touch of austerity in the finish, but good fat and sweetness in the mid-palate. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900