Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Barba – i Vasari “Old Vines” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – 2022
Abruzzo, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
From one of Abruzzo’s most respected family producers, the Barba i Vasari Old Vines embodies the soulful depth of mature Montepulciano vineyards. Crafted from low-yielding old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, this DOC wine bridges intensity and elegance, a fine showcase of what Abruzzo can achieve when tradition meets restraint.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark cherries, black plum, and crushed violets lead the way, followed by nuances of black pepper, cocoa, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Hints of dried herbs and vanilla complete the aromatic frame.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture yet structured with supple tannins. There’s a satisfying balance between ripe dark fruit and savory spice, culminating in a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with lasagna alla bolognese, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, or aged pecorino.

Verdict
A beautiful expression of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, intense yet approachable, generous but never overbearing. Old vines deliver concentration and charm in equal measure. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The “i Vasari” vineyards trace their origins to the 1700s and sit near Pescara, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. This position brings cool coastal breezes that preserve acidity even in warmer years.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A deliciously balanced Montepulciano that delivers both depth and drinkability. A genuine Italian gem I’d pour confidently for any gathering of Italian wine lovers. — 8 hours ago

Ann Keller

9.5

Good. Nice red wine — 8 months ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Like a fine barba. Insane value. Honestly, should be a 94-95 but mouth feel is a tiny bit thin in a good way. — 9 months ago

Anil Saxena

8.9

Liked this Italian blend with spicy ragu. — 3 months ago

Catherine Gmoser

8.9

Robust red — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

This is a glowing, freshly brilliant Montepulciano thanks to its fermentation process in steel with a controlled with a maceration of up to 12 days. Additionally, the wine underwent thru naturally malolactic fermentation naturally and yet remained on the noble lees for 2 months. It produces a medium to full body, chalky tannins and not so grainy textured finish. Moreover Barba utilized organically grown grapes to this wine. An absolutely fantastic casual option with an incredibly price point. — 8 months ago

P S

9.1

Dry but not tannic. Very good blackberry. Dark cherry. All front of mouth. Cyprus wine. — a year ago

Juan Cerda

9.2

Lanolin and stone fruit. Textural but not waxy nor floral. Superlative example of pecorino. — 7 months ago

Jody Wycech

9.0

Definitely needed to let this wine breathe. First sips were shockingly acidic but it really smoothed out after an hour. Nose is very earthy, it smells like a garden with raspberry, mint, and maybe a skunk that sprayed in the distance. Very dry, nicely balanced. Leather and blackberry predominate. Went well with pasta and meatballs of course. Would love to have again. — 7 months ago

with Ethan, Peter and 1 other

Louis Martin

9.2

Cherry aroma with spicy notes, medium color and body, light acidity and tannins, paired well with a meaty Moussaka. — 8 months ago