1999 Giuseppe Mascarello Barbera d'Alba

An old world style Barbera from Piemonte (where else?) . What makes it old world? Lots of volatile acidity on the nose and a more than slight hint of brettanomyces on the palate. Murky in appearance with a medium mohogany core and a medium tawny rim. VA makes for an unclean nose of a moderate aged bouquet with animale (from the brett) and not much fruit. Pretty much bone dry on the palate with not so much tired but resigned fruit. Balanced and rounded acidity, soft tannins, with a medium body and medium finish. The savory characteristics of grilled onions (not sauteed, that would be sweeter) dominates any fruit.

It's not too much VA or brett for my liking but purists may object.

Good quality and a good value at $16 retail. Drink now, may not last more than a year.

Good with any meat and tomato dish, like a Bolognese sauce.