Scavino is a big time label that is currently performing at the top of their game. They have an expansive list of ‘cru’ bottlings that collectors should be looking for, in particular the 2016s. But often lost in the breadth of their bottlings are the’ little’ wines. Something like a Barbera, within the context of Scavino’s high powered lineup, often gets lost in the shuffle. Also, to be fair, the folks looking over the Scavino lineup aren’t necessarily looking for Barbera. But this wine’s performance should merit its own set of fans and part of our job is to point stuff like that out. A delicious, supple, serviceable Barbera for well under $20 deserves a lot of attention on its own.
In a world that seems rather focused on ratings, and offers touting something as a best ever, this is just a really pleasing, food-friendly red wine, at an attractive price, that you can enjoy every day. Critics are people, too, and this delightful Barbera got pushed out of the 90s (it was an ‘89’) probably because it was tasted alongside an impressive battery of Barolos. But the words hold true for the Scavino Barbera d’Alba 2017, “The 2017 Barbera d’Alba is another tasty, entry-level offering from Scavino. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and dark spice all flesh out in this supple, juicy Barbera. All the elements are in the right place.” Indeed they are, and at $14.98, its an easy choice on the wallet as well.