1978 Aldo Conterno Barbera d' Alba Conca Tre Pile

Aldo Conterno is one of Piedmont’s most noted producers of Barolo. The 25-acre estate is in Monforte d’Alba, in northwestern Italy, and was founded in 1969 when Aldo Conterno returned from a few years spent in California working in an uncle’s vineyard. Though the Conterno family had been in the wine business for more than a century, Aldo picked up new ideas about winemaking in California. Today the winery is run by his sons and produces 120,000 bottles of wine a year, virtually all Barolo. Aldo Conterno is credited with being one of the earliest Piedmont winemakers to start producing more elegant, age-worthy Barolos. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, notes that the estate’s mix of traditional and more modern winemaking results in “great wines.”

Barbera d’Alba is a DOC centered around the town of Alba, and it is considered home to some of the best wines made from the Barbera grape. Barbera is the most frequently planted grape in Piedmont, thanks to its adaptability and vigorous character. It is easier to grow and less susceptible to adverse weather than Nebbiolo, which is grown in neighboring appellations. Barbera in general has relatively low tannins but high acidity, and the wines tend to have flavors of ripe currant and cherry. The Barbera DOC was created in 1970 and the DOC wines must be 100% Barbera.

This red wine is from Piedmont. It is known for low tannins and high acidity, which makes it taste both light-bodied and rich. Barbera most often drinks early, but some variations can be cellared. The wine is relatively inexpensive and flexible for pairing.