2006 La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian 14.0%
From 375ml. I'm drawn to La Spinetta, despite high prices and a reputation for modernity, because of that Dürer etching of a rhinoceros* on their labels. This showed dark fruit aromas, mostly cherry, with a mist of saltiness and a hint of thyme. Some oak comes through, but well contained. Acidity, the hallmark of Barbera, is lovely and vibrant, in excellent balance with the sweetness. Good body weight, alcohol well integrated. Not overly complex, but a pleasure to drink. If this is modernity, I have no problems with it. Note to self: have to stop buying 375s, never enough for the two of us, unless part of a greater design.
* Dürer never actually saw one, so it has several inaccuracies because it's based on descriptions.