This lovely wine is named after Carlo’s daughter. It does not spend any time in oak. After resting a year in steel tanks, it matures a further six months in the bottle before it is released. Grape selection is very rigorous with a yield of only 42 hectolitres per hectare. It is a full-bodied wine that displays pleasing notes of raspberry, black cherry, leather and resin. It has a good tannic grip and promises to last for several years. I would decant this surprisingly complex wine at least an hour before serving – with BBQ fare, stews and most pasta dishes. This is one delicious wine for the money. Order this excellent value now.

2006 Barbera d’Asti Superiore “Notturno” (14.5% Alc./Vol.) $22/$264 12-bottle case

This stunner is a deep ruby colour with attractive aromas of plum, black cherry, smoke, tar and blueberry. The yield is a stingy 35 hectolitres per hectare. It is vinified and kept in steel tanks for the first six months before being transferred to large oak barrels where it matures for at least a year. It is dry, substantially fruity and is surrounded by a crisp/tangy core. It will go well with almost any pasta dish, grilled meats and charcuterie. I would decant it at least an hour before drinking and believe it will mature beautifully in the cellar for at least five to seven years. Order this wonderful wine now.

2006 Barbera d’Asti Superiore “Roche” (14.5% Alc./Vol.) $32/$396 12-bottle case

It is named after the hill on which the vineyard is situated which, thanks to its position and soil, is considered one of the best Barbera growing locations of Agliano Terme. Like the Nottuno, the yield is a very selective 35 hectolitres per hectare from vines exceeding fifty years of age. It too is vinified in steel vats and is matured for a year in new French barriques – small oak barrels. This is a huge, ruby red wine with excellent structure, body and aroma. It has a powerful bouquet of black cherries, leather, coffee, vanilla and chocolate that all persist in the mouth. This is a real keeper that belongs in any cellar where it should remain and happily mature for at least a decade. Order this collector’s item now.

Ferro Carlo Sampler (14.5% Alc./Vol.) $23/$276 12-bottle case

Five bottles of the 2007 “Giulia, four bottles of the 2006 “Notturmo” and three bottles of the 2006 “Roche. Order your special collection of fine wines from Azienda Agricola Ferro Carlo now.

The Red Wines of Poderi Rosso Giovanni

2008 Barbera d’Asti (13.5Alc./Vol.) $18/$228 12-bottle case

This little beauty is made from 100% Barbera grapes. It is a purplish red tending towards ruby and has a most pleasant nose of fresh red berries, new leather and spice. In the mouth it is pleasingly dry with a very good structure. This very pleasant, straight forward, medium bodied, unoaked wine is ideal for every day drinking and will go particularly well with white meats and light pasta dishes. Order a real Italian treat now.

2007 “Vigna del Carlinet” (15% Alc./Vol.) $32/$396 12-bottle case

This is a terrific wine! Once again it is made from 100% Barbera. Fashioned from hand selected grapes, it has been refined by resting in small Allier oak barriques for 12 months. The yield is a low 30 hectolitres per hectare. This is a brooding, dark ruby coloured wine possessing pervasive aromas of blackberries, raspberries, vanilla and liquorice. It is full, dry and warm in the mouth where the scents are joined by notes of amaretto and cocoa wrapped in sweet tannins. These persist in a lingering, luxurious aftertaste. Drinking most agreeably now, this stunner will keep quite contentedly for at least a decade. Decant several hours before consuming … with game or grilled meats. Only 6,000 bottles were produced. What a shame. Latch onto some of this very special wine now.

2007 Moferrato “Infinito” (14.5% Alc./Vol.) $34/$432 12-bottle case

Oh boy … what a wine. The “Infinito” is crafted from 60% Barbera and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 14 months in Allier oak barriques. Also boasting a miserly yield of 30 hectolitres per hectare, this wine too is a dark ruby red. Aromas of chocolate, wild berries, vanilla and black cherries steeped in liqueur leap from the glass. In the mouth it is open, round and mellow with lovely tannins and a persistent honeyed (but not sweet) after taste. This young wine needs some air before serving and will cellar nicely for several years. Only 3,000 bottles of this exquisite beauty were made. Nab some for yourself.

Rosso Giovanni Sampler $26/$312 12-bottle case

Six bottles of the 2008 Barbera d’Asti, and three bottles each of the delicious 2007 “Vigna del Carlinet” and the 2007 Monferrato “Infinito”. Order your stellar Italian sampler now.

Don’t forget ‘A Châteauneuf Evening at Bodega’ on Thursday, April 15^th.

This is going to be a great wine and food pairing event.

Please pass this note on to anyone you think would like some really excellent Italian wines.

Many thanks and cheers,

Jim and Hélène
www.arthursellers.com
jaswalker@arthursellers.com
Hbuisson@ofrance.ca