2005 Barbera d'Alba, Az. Agr. Giovanni Rosso, Serralunga d'Alba

My default choice in Italian restaurants is usually Barbera, as I find it's vibrant fruit and crisp acidity a perfect partner to the traditional elements of Italian cuisine. Davide Rosso has crafted a superlative example, rich in fruit but with a wonderful minerality on the finish, ready to drink now but no need to hurry as it will keep for a few years more.
(Alun Griffiths Mw, BBR Wine Director)

A blend of two Serralunga vineyards, Costabello and Sorano, from lower down the Serralunga spine near the hamlet of Baudana (home to Giovanni Rosso), 'Donna Margherita' draws on a significant proportion of 65 yo fruit to give both power and minerality. Profound, compact and mystically perfumed, Davide's Barbera, aged in both cement and botte, speaks more of Serralunga's inimitable terroir than the of the variety itself. There's no shortage of sweet black almost choc fruit, balanced by great mineral complexity. Terrific now till 2012 at least, along with braised beef.
(David Berry Green - BBR Buyer)

Beautiful black cherry aromas and hint of chocolate. The structure is compact yet elegant and supported by refreshing acidity. Lots of vibrant sweet but elegant black fruits on the palate and a fine minerality on the finish. Enjoy now or in the next four years, up to 2013.
(Decanter.com, Ten Best Wines from Berry Bros., June 09)