2022 Barbera

 

California's Sierra Foothills are identified most closely with Zinfandel, though Syrah, Grenache and most notably Barbera are challenging Zinfandel's standing as the region's signature wine. That said, not much Barbera is grown in Calaveras County near the southern reaches of the foothills. That could change following the showing of the Val du Vino Barbera at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - best red wine. The Val du Vino Barbera stood out for the balance and clarity of the variety's telltale juicy cherry and berry fruit, insinuation of just enough oak to provide flirting diversion, a winking flash of anise, bashful tannins, chirpy acidity, and thin thread of sweetness. Yes, a more-than-usually complex Barbera, fitting for all the textures and flavors of a classic BLT.