2001 Brown Brothers Barbera

King Valley

Brown Brothers have been experimenting with Italian varietals for well over a decade and when you taste their 2001 Barbera, you will see that their experiments have been highly successful.

Brimming with sweet, brambly, raspberry fruit, the palate is powerfully defined by a strong vein of acidity. It is this aspect, along with its subtle savoury edge, that makes the wine the most perfect partner for food. Oak plays a secondary role in this wine, due to the fact that it was aged in large old barrels, allowing the fruit to unashamedly shine through.

If you have the time, a quick decant one-hour prior to serving would benefit this wine, but it is not essential. As this wine shines at its brightest when partnered with food, don’t forget to have a fine meal waiting once the bottle is opened.

(The 2002 will soon be out – and is just as good – if not better!)

© Toni Paterson April 2004

Price: $20
Vigneron: John G. Brown
Winemaker: Wendy Cameron
web: www.brown-brothers.com.au

Wine Diva Wine of the Month, May 2004