This was a first. I actually had to go back and re-taste a wine. No…it’s not because I drank the whole bottle and forgot what it tasted like! This wine really baffled me. I couldn’t figure out what made it stand out and how to describe it.
I enjoyed this Barbera a few weeks ago during a hectic time of my husband’s change of command festivities and a whole crowd of family visiting. I’m thinking that I didn’t truly dedicate myself to the tasting and attempted to check the block. So, when I went to revisit my notes and recall the experience, I realized, I really didn’t have much to say! Fortunately, I had ordered two of these bottles as they were at a discounted price at the time of purchase. So, I was forced into doing the hardest part of my job – I had to open another bottle and taste it again. This is the sacrifice I make for the 52 Weeks of Wine Training Program.
Upon second tasting, I realized that it was not a surprise that my notes were vague. Visually, the wine is a beautiful, clear, ruby color. The aromas are of cherry, mild oak, and baking spices. The flavor is a bit contrasting to the aromas, still fruit-forward but with high acidity and a very subtle complexity of leather, tobacco and licorice. The wine is medium-bodied, not as light as a Pinot Noir but not as heavy as a Malbec. I think what makes this wine a bit confusing is that it could easily pass off for several other varietals. If you’re really looking to stump someone in a blind tasting, I’m convinced that you should throw in a Barbera.
This 2015 Tenuta Rocca Barbera consistently retails at about $20 per bottle and has received a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator. I gave it a 4 out of 5 cork rating – it was a great wine!