Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Nizza Riserva 2020, Piemonte, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Barbera from Nizza DOCG Riserva, produced by Bersano from the “Generala” vineyard in Monferrato. Aged 30 months, with at least 12 months in wood. A strikingly polished and generous expression of Barbera that massively overdelivers for the price.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum compote, dried red berries, sweet spice, subtle vanilla, and a touch of cedar. Ripe and expressive, with lovely depth and a smooth oak influence.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full body with supple texture and beautifully integrated acidity. Smooth, rounded, and polished, with enough structure to keep it serious while remaining incredibly easy to enjoy.

Food Pairings
Braised short ribs, mushroom pasta, sausage pizza, aged cheeses, roast pork, or hearty tomato-based dishes.

Verdict
A bafflingly good value. This bottle drinks far above its price point and shows how serious Barbera from Nizza can be when given proper élevage. Plush, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Did You Know?
Nizza DOCG is considered one of the top appellations for Barbera, focused on a smaller, higher-quality zone within Monferrato in Piemonte.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of those bottles that makes you stop and say, “Wait… Trader Joe’s?” Smooth enough to rival many wines well above its shelf price. — 9 days ago

Marc Garneau

9.0

Surprenant au niveau du goût, de la robe claire et de l’équilibre qui en fait un vin qui se boit très bien avec goût singulier. Qualité-prix intéressant. — 5 years ago

Sean Grullon

9.2

Nice expression of Barolo - roses, tar, dark cherries, and quite spice forward with firm tannins and a fresh finish that brings balance. Phenomenal value on sale at local PA liquor stores. — 7 years ago

Ben Thomas

9.0

Not a lot to say. Hugely drinkable. Had with lasagne. Super relaxed. Just enjoyed it. Get one. Really liking Bersano again. Coming back from the 90s. Watch out. If you see it try it. — 2 months ago

with Lucy

Cyta Cao

9.0

2024.08.16
清新 — a year ago

Tony Romagna

9.9

Vintage 2015. Leather, red berry, clove, cinnamon and tobacco. Plenty of tannins and a beautiful garnet color. — 6 years ago

Mark Royer

9.6

Wow, special wine. Still some stuffing — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

The private label, as the Diamond Series are positioned as higher-end wines at Trader Joe's, and are broken into four tiers: Petite Reserve, Grand Reserve, Platinum Reserve, and, at the very top, Diamond Reserve label. These are typically made from the highest-quality grapes and great vintages. However, some flavors and complexity may vary as these are still sensibly-priced wines.

This Barolo from the Bersano Estate, 100% Nebbiolo grapes, a V.2020 is still evolving, the usual "tart & roses" profile remains as a backbone at the front of both nose and palate. The concentration of dark baked cherries, stewed strawberries and spices flavors are truly prominent while grippy tannins and texture take over by the mid-range of the palate. Bone dry and the degree of complexity is yet to be fully developed. Overall, the wine does the job at its price point, and may evolve a bit more. Cheers! — 10 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Bright ruby color. 100% Barbera. Aromas of plums, forest floor, and spices. Pallet is full of blackberry, black licorice and tobacco. Ripe, juicy and round. Pretty well balanced. Pairs well with foods that include tomato sauce. — 3 years ago

Justine Y

9.4

2011- Awesome wine full flavor, smooth silk finish. Great with red meat or even alone. Got this great deal from Costco. Lucky! — 6 years ago