Enotria Barbera

[Innkeeper]

Some of you may remember when we were enthusiastic about Monte Volpe Barbera a few years ago. Well, after the original wine.com went belly up at that time, we lost track of it. Well, we got wind of that winery a little while ago, and tracked them down. It seems that there has been some consolidation in Mendocino over the last few years. There is now a Domaine Saint George (http://www.domainesaintgregory.com/index.html). They represent three brands. Saint George produces every pinot known to man. Monte Volpe produces Central Italy type wines. Enotria produces Northern Italy type wines, including a barbera and a barbera reserve, that are no longer produced by Monte Volpe. After an amount of correspondence, we were assured that the Enotria Barbera was a true offspring of the Monte Volpe.

2000 Enotria, Mendocino, Barbera ($14 from Winery). They did not lie. This is a wonderful Northern California Barbera which we may be the only fans of these days since RAD and MrDutton have backed off the board. It has all the attributes of the ole Monte Volpe. It is big (14% alcohol), not hot, full of fruit, and a good shot of oak, that caresses your palate, and finishes fine. The perfect wine for smoked baby back ribs soaked in Carolina Red Sauce, with salad in vinaigrette. Happiness in having a case, which we are about to share.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 01-26-2004).]