Classic Carli
Next to Petite Sirah, Barbera may be the most underappreciated grape in California. In Napa Valley, where the “savage grape” Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Barbera is practically non-existent. Maybe that’s why we love the rare Gaudi Carli Vineyard so much – we have a big soft spot for stray dogs. This one happens to have a huge heart plus pedigree. Barbera is one of the classic varieties of northern Italy and produces some of our favorite wines to serve with meals.
At Gaudi Carli in Calistoga, we are dealing with a little patch of the only old vine Barbera we know of in Napa Valley and it is loaded with character. Who we have to thank for sticking with this 100 year-old vineyard is the Torrigino family, who together over decades, have kept the scant last acre of Gaudi Carli’s original vineyards going. Just amazing it’s still there…
The 2021 Gaudi Carli Barbera is a very food friendly wine that will serve for several years to come. It pairs well with hearty soups, stews, grilled sausages, and pizzas with sun dried tomatoes.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Richly perfumed with notes ranging between fresh red and black fruits like black cherry and strawberry to more savory elements like nutmeg, forest floor, and coffee. Medium bodied and expansive on the palate with hints of hazelnut, plum, and pomegranate.