by Zoltan Szabo

2009 Barbera ‘Briccotondo’, Fontanafredda, Piemonte, Italy – $15.95, LCBO# 72348
Ruby-purple with tiny orange tint. Black raspberry, kirsch, licorice, floral – incense and cinnamon – nutmeg – summer truffles. Medium bodied and juicy with lively freshness and silky tannins, 13.5% alcohol providing warmth, for the soul, palate and tummy. I find it extremely delicious. May be a contemporary style, yet oak is just adding a little more roundness, sweetness – spiciness and toasty edge to it. It was excellent with veal meatballs in a tangy tomato sauce with mashed potatoes. Click here to find it at an LCBO near you.

Read more of sommelier Zoltan Szabo at zoltanszabo.org and follow him at twitter.com/zoltanszabo.