Vinchio Vaglio 'I Tre Vescovi' Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2007

Like the Brachetto, this is part of Waitrose's Mediterranean showcase, on for I think the next month.

I like Barbera. It produces good, reliable, everyday red (and also more expensive wines - see this month's Decanter magazine for details). It's usually fruity and has good acidity, and you don't need to spend a lot of money on it. I guess it's similar to bargain Chianti in that way.

This is on for £5.99, and is a good candidate for a case purchase. It has bright, cherry fruit and good aromatics. It's very short on the finish though, to the point where it seems a bit odd. Complex it isn't, but that's not really the point of these wines.

I may have to buy another bottle or two for further evaluation...

I just realized I've had something similar here.

Vinchio-Vaglio Serra

Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2007

Piedmont, Italy

£5.99 (£7.99)

3/5