The 2016 Barbera d'Alba Monpiano shows dark fruit nuances with smoke, tar and blackberry confit. This is a thick and succulent expression with a mid-weight body and a smooth, easy approach on the palate. Pair this food-friendly red with your favorite pasta recipe. Some 10,000 bottles were produced.

Concentrated, sporting plum, cherry, leather and herb flavors. Firm and dry, with a light astringency on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 1,500 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add

The 2011 Barbera d’Alba Monpiano opens with soft whiffs of mocha, toasted almond, Indian spice and pipe tobacco that give it an extremely lush and rounded feel. There’s a pretty dusting of crushed mineral that creates a veil of elegance overall. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. Paolo Tenino and Monica Rinaldi Tenino run this 10-hectare estate with vineyards in Verduno for Barolo, Neive for Barbaresco and Madonna di Como for Dolcetto and Barbera. Importer: Alliance Beverage Distributing; Phoenix, AZ; tel. (602) 760-5500

Offers a minerally nose, with hints of damson and blackberry. Medium-bodied, with a tight, minerally palate and a crisp finish. There's a lovely core of fruit, and this has balance as well. Drink now. 900 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barbera d'Alba Select to Add