Trediberri Barbera D'Alba

The beginning of the year always sees some movement across inventory and distribution centers. I wrote last week about Granville Pinot Noir (on sale at $38 down from $50), and the week before I offered a range of Parusso wines at 20-35% off. These discounts are simply because the wineries had made a logistical decision to move importer or distributor, or both. Another wine that I first tasted and fell in love with, Trediberri, is set to do the same.

Trediberri is a winery that I discovered last summer at a trade tasting in NYC. I admit that I have a love affair with Piedmont and pretty much all wines grown there. I remember when tasting the Trediberri I thought, what an incredibly balanced wine. All the components seemed to work toward pleasuring the mouth. There was fruit, there was soft tannings, there was brightness and freshness, and there was a surprising amount of alcohol - 15%. But the last component you would never have guessed - and that was the excitement behind the wine.

When I had time I started to research the wine and the winery and this is a quote I took from their website: We love to drink wine, therefore the greatest recognition for us is a bottle that is quickly finished. But our idea of drinkability does not equate to simplicity: it is about equilibrium. There are wines that are extremely alcoholic and structured yet are also pleasurable to drink. By the same token, others are light in body and alcohol but unpleasant to drink. The bottle that finishes before the others is always the most balanced wine, the one in which all components talk to each other in the most complete way.

I can't tell you how many times my description of a beautiful wine begins with: this is so well balanced. To me it is one of the most singular attributes of good wine - be in balance. And across the board that's what I found with Trediberri's wines.

Now Trediberri are looking to change their importer to the US. Good news, briefly, but bad news unless they find an importer quickly. On the good side, the present importer offered me his last 6 cases at a 20% discount. I had been selling the Barbera at a very affordable price already, but now, until it's gone, I am offering the wine at $20. At that price this is a wine to buy in quantity because I bet you it won't last to the summer.

Aromatic, with a bouquet of fresh picked ripe berries. On the palate a deep, resonant, dark fruit flavor combined with some orange skin and marzipan. A balance of acidity and alcohol such that there is no heat, just ample wine with great length. After the incredibly hot summer of 2017, the 2018 wine feels less stressed, more harmonious. Love this wine.

6 cases available at $20 per bottle. No further discount.