($18):  Full disclosure: I love Barbera.  Mild tannins and bright acidity allow you to chill it in the summer, which amplifies its spicy fruity nature.  Its bold flavors hold up to hearty pasta dishes and even grilled meat.  The problem is that there is a lot of mediocre — or worse — Barbera in the market.  Thankfully, this is not one of them.  Indeed, its quality and refinement is no surprise because Renato Ratti is one of Piedmont’s top producers.  Balanced and energetic, this Battaglione is an easy go-to red this summer or when colder weather descends.  My advice: buy it by the case.
91 Michael Apstein Jul 31, 2018