2000 Maraia Barbera Monferrato

[hotwine]

Good Barbera character with a slight undertone of smoke. Dunno where that comes from, but it's an interesting addition. With pizza, 13.5% ABV and $6.99 at the discounter. $6.99?! Yeah, $6.99.

[hotwine]

Stumbled across the '01 of this on close-out at the local supermarket. Tried to twist the capsule on a few and found them stuck on all but two bottles; bought those for $7.79 per. Tried one tonight with pizza. Ooooo-eeee! V-e-r-y nice! No smoke with the '01, but a good solid Barbera character plus a definite aftertaste of dark cherries, which D noticed, too. Will look for more that at least pass the "twist test" (Chubby Checker playing in background).