M. Marengo Barbera d'Alba Pugnane 2015
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Robert
Parker
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Flavors are full-bodied, warm, supple, fruity.
Pair with red meat, meat dishes in general.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
he 2015 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Pugnane shows the bounty of the 2015 vintage. This was a beautiful year for all grapes in the Langhe, including Barbera and Nebbiolo. The Pugnane vineyard is located in Castiglione Falletto and is only planted to Barbera. The vines took root in 2003, and the first commercial vintage was released in 2005. This wine sees up to ten months in barrel, of which only 20% is new oak. This is a delightful expression with a round and supple mouthfeel followed by density and richness. That vinous texture is carefully studied in terms of its delivery: It leaves an impact, for sure, but it never feels heavy. In fact, the grape's natural acidity helps to keep the palate refreshed and light.
Friendly and approachable, Barbera produces wines in a wide range of styles, from youthful, fresh and fruity to serious, structured and age-worthy. Piedmont is the most famous source of Barbera; those from Asti and Alba garner the most praise. Barbera actually can adapt to many climates and enjoys success in some New World regions. Somm Secret—In the past it wasn’t common or even accepted to age Barbera in oak but today both styles—oaked and unoaked—abound and in fact most Piedmontese producers today produce both styles.
An historic village situated right in between the famous regions of Barolo and Barbaresco, Alba is also the name for the larger wine region surrounding the village.
In a sense, “Alba” is a catch-all phrase, and includes the declassified Nebbiolo wines made in Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as the Nebbiolo grown just outside of these regions’ borders. In fact, Nebbiolo d’Alba is a softer, less tannic and more fruit-forward wine ready to drink within just a couple years of bottling. It is a great place to start if you want to begin to understand the grape. Likewise, the even broader category of Langhe Nebbiolo offers approachable and value-driven options as well.
Barbera, planted alongside Nebbiolo in the surrounding hills, and referred to as Barbera d’Alba, takes on a more powerful and concentrated personality compared to its counterparts in Asti.
Dolcetto is ubiquitous here and, known as Dolcetto d'Alba, can be found casually served alongside antipasti on the tables of Alba’s cafes and wine bars.
Not surprisingly, given its location, Alba is recognized as one of Italy’s premiere culinary destinations and is the home of the fall truffle fair, which attracts visitors from worldwide every year.