Winemaker Notes
Deep purple in color with violets and clove on the nose. Round and plush on the palate with plum, black pepper and cinnamon flavors and a persistent finish.
An elegant and complex wine which pairs well with Italian appetizers, red and white meats, and young cheeses.
Blend: 60% Barbera, 20% Pinot Noir, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Dried cherries, burnt orange peel, hints of chocolate, dried flowers and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied, compact and a little chewy with velvety tannins and juicy acidity. Flavorful and lengthy.
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Wine Enthusiast
Roasted black fruits, peppers and oak spice dominate the inviting and pleasurable aromatic profile. The lush palate exhibits a pronounced herbal character that complements notes of roasted plums, figs and an abundance of oak spice. Fine tannins and lingering licorice notes add depth. Drink now–2035.
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Vinous
The 2019 Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It offers a beguiling mix of Barbera fruit and the more savory notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Leather, menthol, cedar and earthy undertones all open nicely. This bold, heady Monferrato red is full of character.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe and complex, mellowing with age to elicit spiced plum, fig, autumn wood and caramel flavors. Powerful, with warmth on the finish. Pair with braised lamb shanks or osso buco. Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2026. 4,200 cases made, 1,100 cases imported.
Attracting the most glory, prestige and fame to the Piedmont region, Nebbiolo in all of its expressions—Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Ghemme and Gattinara—creates a complex wine, truly unique for its delicate qualities combined with strength and a great potential to improve over time.
But Nebbiolo isn’t all there is to red wine from Piedmont! Barbera is the most planted variety and historically most popular as a dependable, food-friendly, everyday wine.
Beyond these two, a surprising number of red varieties call Piedmont their home. Worth a try include Dolcetto for its bold concentration and aromas of spice cake. Other grapes to investigate include Freisa, Croatina, Brachetto, Grignolino and Pelaverga.