A lush texture sets the stage for blackberry and black cherry flavors in this vibrant red. Firms up a little by the saturated finish. This still has time to give. Drink now through 2021. 600 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add

Here we have a big, dark wine with vinous or raw aromas and flavors. There is a touch of savory tobacco or smoked bacon fat on the 2013 Barbera d'Alba. This is an old release, and it is unlikely that you will find this bottle in retail stores at this point.

The 2010 Barbera d’Alba emerges from the glass with dark red raspberries, flowers, licorice and spices, all in the voluptuous, rich style this small, family-run estate in Serralunga is known for to its many admirers, which include me. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the entry-level offerings I tasted from Giampaolo Pira. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

The 2009 Barbera d’Alba is another terrific wine. It flows with dark raspberries, flowers, licorice and spices, showing fabulous intensity all the way through to the seamless finish. This fabulous Barbera is all elegance and class. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. This is a head-spinning set of wines from Luigi Pira from top to bottom. I would be thrilled to drink any of these wines any day of the week. As always, Pira favors a style based on textural richness. At their best, the wines show an equal amount of elegance. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The 2008 Barbera d’Alba is an attractive, though mid-weight effort (in relative terms for this producer), with good depth in its dark red fruit and minerals. Ideally the 2008 Barbera is best enjoyed while the fruit retains freshness. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. This is a beautiful set of entry-level wines from proprietor Giampaolo Pira. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119