The late Giacomo Bologna made some of Italy's most flamboyant and dramatic Barberas. The 1988 Barbera-Bricco della Figotta and 1988 Barbera dell'Uccellone, from a tannic, tightly structured vintage, are examples of what drama and opulence can be obtained from this grape. Both wines display dark, nearly black/purple colors and huge perfumes of smoke, toast, herbs, and black fruits, as well as evidence of aging in new oak casks. I thought the 1988 Barbera dell'Uccellone possessed slightly more flesh, a longer finish, and aromatic dimension. However, that is splitting hairs, as both of these are terrific Barberas. Delicious to drink now, they should last for at least a decade.
Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY.