2017 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Found this nondescript and rather disappointing
Much preferred the other Barbera on the Wine Champions list"
Mr Steven Foster (12-Jul-2020)
"A fair wine at this price point."
Mr Richard Simon (30-Jun-2020)
"Excellent, even straight out of the bottle with no decanting, but even better later after a hour or so decanted. Was smooth enough to go with deserts better than some whites.
At that price, excellent value and I would like to compare it with a Castello del Poggio Barbera d'Asti (retails at about £16) that we also loved some months ago."
Mr John Keith Millns (29-Jun-2020)
"Great value and terrific for drinking with food (pasta etc). Well balanced and fruity. We’ve had a few bottles over the past few weeks and together with the Society’s Rioja it remains our favourite early evening tipple"
Mr John H Summers (04-Apr-2020)
"Very good would xrecommend this "
Mr John D Brookes (20-Mar-2020)
"A mellow, moreish wine that grows in the drinking. Recently ordered to provide the refreshment for a pottery exhibition and brought the punters on side. It became the wine of choice over a much more expensive and rather thin chianti. Great with Italian staples of pizza & pasta. "
Mr Matthew Hilton-Dennis (05-Mar-2020)
"This is the poorest wine I've ever had from the Society. Bitter and just unpleasant. It stands out from the rest - but for all the wrong reasons. Pity I bought 2 of them - might do as cooking wine but not sure... Maybe it was just one duff bottle?"
Mr Mark Phillips (18-Feb-2020)
2016 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
Mr Angus Clark (24-Oct-2020)
"Typical dark Barbera colour but without the fresh fruit and acidity that you might expect. More like blackberries, and perhaps liquorice. Other 14.5% wines have more power."
Professor Stephen Babbage (14-Mar-2020)
"I agree with the tasting notes. This wine is smooth, enjoyable and very easy to drink. Quite surprised it is as high as 14.5%"
Mrs Penelope Lowndes (24-Feb-2020)
Mr Valentin Servel (11-Feb-2020)
"Tried with steak, but it was a bit too robust. More suited to spicy dishes - and I wouldn't drink it on it's own. Having said that, with the right food pairing, I'd definitely give it another try."
Mr James Sturt (25-Jan-2020)
"full strong wine full of fruit damson and cherry . A Barbera for under a Tenner excellent. Would only drink with food as it is 14.5% but great with meat and pasta"
Mr G A Liddell (12-Jan-2020)
"As others have mentioned, harsh and bitter! A poor choice by TWS"
Mr Andrew James Cruickshank (10-Jan-2020)
"On first opening a bottle of this wine, I was very disappointed: it was closed and somewhat tannic. I left it for a day and then tried again. What a difference ! It proved to be fruity with a depth of cherry flavours and some length. I will be buying again. "
Mr Bernard Feeney (08-Dec-2019)
"Very strong tannins
Disappointed "
Dr Peter Van Bergen (02-Dec-2019)
"opened a bottle today (2016) bought in feb (i believe). not the new delivery.
my wife did the tasting before i did to ensure no bias,
Tasted harsh stringry not a luscious full bodied Barbera.
2015 vintage was great-such a shame."
Mr Keith Gibson (24-Nov-2019)
"Both my wife and I enjoy Italian wines and having read the very good reviews I placed an order.
Our first impressions were disappointing, there was no way that you could drink this wine on its own., it tasted harsh and bitter.
It improved with food, especially goats cheese. However, other cheeses such as a strong cheddar did not pair well.
I would not order this again as we have had much better wines for the money
"
David P Walkden Esq (24-Nov-2019)
Mr Joseph Male (12-Nov-2019)
"A great fruity Italian red with more than a hint of tanins and great value for money. A great accompaniment for strong cheeses or hearty pasta dishes."
Mr Kevin Hewitt (26-Oct-2019)
"Really good! Fruit balanced by acidity and tannin, more complex than many wines at this price point, and completely drinkable with or without food.
Well done WS."
Dr Philip Dodd (13-Oct-2019)
"I'm by no means a wine expert and bought this on the recommendation of others. My first order from the Wine Society as a new member, And I'm not disappointed! A deep red that is easy to drink! I'm glad a bought a case of 12 :)"
Mr Conor Bradley (09-Oct-2019)
"This came in a mixed case and was a very pleasant surprise. Drank without food - smooth, bags of fruit - reminded of Australian reds. Will be ordering more."
Mr Alan Bennett (01-Sep-2019)
"I thought this was ok for the (reasonable) price but no more than that. There was some fruit, and on second day a slight nutty taste, but it wasn’t particularly smooth. TWS has other reds in this price bracket that have much more interest. "
Mr Peter Minns (29-Aug-2019)
"I didn't much enjoy this wine. Definitely needs food. Quite harsh and astringent....acid, tannin and high alcohol. There is fruit in there and some spice....but overwhelmed. Not one for drinking on its own"
Mr Ben Stringer (28-Aug-2019)
"Perhaps it's me, but I'm not too impressed with any of the "Society's" wines. It's drinkable, but compared to the supermarkets' shelves I did not think it that special.
It's smooth, red, goes down, but no different to many others, some cheaper."
Mr Anthony R Peel (30-Jun-2019)
"Nice example of a Piedmont staple.Very good with pasta dishes."
Mr Ken Randles (12-Jun-2019)
"Loved this wine!
Dark, fruity, very full bodied with great fruit taste and spice notes.
Excellent value for money too."
Mr Paul R Unwin (26-May-2019)
"One of our favourite wines!
I must say, with great memories of our honeymoon at Villa D’Este.
Thanks Wine Society!!"
Mr Richard Patten (09-May-2019)
"You will not get Barbara at this price any better than this. Full and fruity with a hint of sophistication. Very well made and hugely enjoyable. Very good for larger dinner parties or mid week pairing with pasta or pizza. "
Mr Mark Jones (07-Apr-2019)
"Not quite as good as the 2015. A lot nuttier on the palate and a lot less fruity, but still excellent at this price."
Dr Richard Tunnard (13-Mar-2019)
"Just joined the Society and am very impressed by this wine. Has everything you want in an Italian red at this level, and more. Depth of flavours and overall quality is superb."
Mr Jamie Ross (26-Feb-2019)
"I have enjoyed all the Araldica wines that I have tasted and this is no exception.
Sealed by a Diam 'cork', this wine is very dark with af purple edges. Good fruity nose and very drinkable. Indeed it is perhaps too easy to drink considering its strength! Well balanced in the mouth and I think if one had sufficient control it would keep for some years. My only slight reservation is that it could have a bit more flavour at the finish but maybe serving a bit warmer would have helped.
We enjoyed it with smoked fish and it was perfect going into the cheese."
Mr Thomas H F Kidman (21-Feb-2019)
"This is the best value red wine that I've had in years. It's well-balanced, has plenty of depth and a delicious fruitiness.
I can't recommend it highly enough. "
Mr Evan Harris (02-Feb-2019)
"An excellent wine for the price. I agree with the 'bomb-proof' tag. It cuts through rich foods that require difficult pairings."
Mr David B Ronaldson (05-Jan-2019)
"Another bomb-proof Italian. Takes tomato and chilli in its stride. Perfect balance and well worth the price tag. Not a sophisticated wine, but it isn't even trying to be. Not quite up to the Society's Primitivo, but then again this is £3 cheaper. Society's description is spot on, I can't see it improving with keeping; but I suspect 2021 for drinking up is correct."
Mr Richard Hadfield (23-Dec-2018)
"I must say I have enjoyed this a lot! Not very objective I know but, it is a really drinkable red wine. Well balanced for a wine at this price point. Great option to turn to. It will go with a mid-week Butchers prime Pork chop. It is a little one dimensional but this is not meant to be detrimental, it just highlights really good expression of Barbera D'asti at this price point."
Mr Lee Bartup (18-Nov-2018)
"Easy drinking wine. A good dark colour and depth in taste. Sometimes you get a very slight nutty background. Would definitely go back for more."
Mr Robert Alfandary (30-Oct-2018)
2016 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
Liverpool Echo (4th May 2019)
"My favourite [Barbera
under £10] is [this one] which I sipped with a simple buttery mound of
spaghetti, doused with parmesan and tiny slithers of black truffle. This was
luxury on a plate, inspired by my trip to the region (where a grating of
truffle at dinner was a frequent delight).
The Barbera d'Asti was a joy alongside its culinary match, with notes of dark
fruits, cherry and a touch of forest floor rising to the occasion. - Jane Clare"
The Mail on Sunday (10th Mar 2019)
"Hints of damson and
black cherry, which is perhaps why it goes so well with the taste of cheery
tomatoes and creaminess of pizzas. - Sarah Finley"
2015 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"Very gluggable burnt fruit kind of taste which fills the mouth. Nice soft grip too.
Drunk with morrocan lamb which was a good accompaniment. Happy to drink this on It’s own also."
Mr Graham Tree (02-Nov-2018)
"plum and blackberry. wonderful taste and excellent value - recommended for everyday drinking"
Mr David Jerdan (05-Jul-2018)
"Nicely rounded, slightly citrusy with a plummy/cherry aftertaste, smooth and very moreish. ... excellent will order again."
Mr Martin Reeves (24-May-2018)
"Not to my taste. A bit sharp and lacking in fruit for me. "
Mr Ray Mount (23-May-2018)
"Drinking beautifully in my opinion. Excellent value for money! Deep black cherry fruit and pleasant rounded aftertaste of oak. Very pleased with this. Good with Italian robust pasta dishes and also drinks very well on its own"
Mrs Sarah Christie (04-Apr-2018)
"Normally a big fan of Society wines, but this was rather thin. I got none of the ripe plums or black fruit indicated in other reviews. Perhaps I should have tried with cheese. Sorry can't recommend, but my review seems to be the exception."
Mr Gordon Allan (29-Mar-2018)
"Fantastic value straight out of the bottle, lovely ripe plums and dark cherries, and a touch of spice at the end of the palate. I wouldn't expect it to develop further with age..Drink it now!"
Mr James Brown (18-Mar-2018)
"My first acquaintance with this. I opened this iinitially to drink on its own. Thought it was quite fruity with a hint of oak. OK but nothing extraordinary. Then I ate some Manchego cheese with it and it became much better. Must do it again."
Mr Ray Mount (11-Feb-2018)
"Great value. Fruity, good bouquet, great with cheese. Will be buying more at this price!"
Mr Ray Mount (02-Feb-2018)
"Goes with anything. Rump steak,med salad/olive oil, Cheese or drink on its own.Buy by the case."
Mr John Arthur (10-Jan-2018)
"I would recommend this wine. Very enjoyable on its own or with cheese. Great value at the price. Full bodied with black fruits and just a hint of oak."
Mr Tom Rodger (17-Dec-2017)
"Seeing Araldica on the carton made me hopeful. All the reds that I have had from this co-operative have been good. The first nose was enough to remind me of the rolling Piemontese hills which we drive through every so often. A hint of smoky tar like the smell of a hot road, but smooth on the nose. The taste was every bit as good as expected, smooth deep fruit but not too heavy so useful for a good range of food right through to the cheese board."
Mr Thomas H F Kidman (05-Jul-2017)
"First try of this wine; found it to be full and smooth with black fruit, very easy drinking on its own. Thought this was excellent value for money and will definitely order again. From previous reviews of other vintages, it seems to have had some mixed reviews, but this 2015 vintage drinks very well."
Mr John Turner (11-Jun-2017)
2014 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"OK, but not great. Quite drinkable, but later in the evening, after being open for a few hours, it became somewhat acidic.
Plums, certainly. Blackberry and Redcurrant. Dry, but juicy. A bit too much tannin for my taste."
Mr Peter Nelson (10-Jun-2017)
"Didn't really enjoy the case we bought. Tried pairing with different meats and dishes. Found the wine to lack much depth and had a bit of bite but not in a peppery, nice kind of way. Aerating/decanting did not yield much benefit either."
Dr Barry Giles (17-Feb-2017)
"Disappointing wine, the comments from the 4 family 'tasters' was a 2 or 3 out of 10. General comment was that it was unbalanced, too astringent and too acid. The underlying cherry fruity flavour was there but masked by the harshness of the wine even after a day letting it breath, a shame."
Mr Martin Reeves (08-Dec-2016)
".,, I opened the bottle two hours ago, had a sip and am massively underwhelmed. I could find no damsons or black cherry only an acidic back-of-the-mouth sensation with an off-vanilla pong. I don't mind but my tasting experience is so different to the other reviews that it makes me worry that my palette is in somewise faulty. Had a further quaff and on balance it's the wine and not my palette but sufficiently unpleasant to cause gustatory self-doubt. Can't understand why it is called Superiore .."
Mr Colin W Brewer (16-Oct-2016)
Mr Nick Foster (10-Oct-2016)
"Sorry but I don't agree with the previous reviews. It is probably my unsophisticated palate but I don't like acidic tannic wines as this tastes to me."
Mrs Margaret McGregor (16-Sep-2016)
"Great for the money big full bodied red wine stunning with food....we loved it!"
Mr Paul Percival (28-Aug-2016)
"Perfumed fruit nose. On the palette there's big acidity then some more bitter acidity. It finishes on an earthy note. Very rugged wine and certainly needs food, would be a good BBQ quaffer with something robust like charred lamb kofte."
Mr Anthony O'Halloran (02-Jun-2016)
"For the price? this is by far and away the best wine that the Society does. Its juicy but not sweet, its got a bit of structure and rounded mouth feel, but overall its a fun easy drinking wine. Give it 30 mins in a decanter and it opens up wonderfully, but don't expect it to exhibit its charm the next day. Until 2019 give us a break buyer, mine will all be finished by the end of the mth and another order in! Forget the Society Claret and Chianti this is the clear guzzling champion, and its consistent."
Mr James Brown (19-May-2016)
"This is an absolutely delicious Barbera - silky smooth, with lots of cherry and blackberry flavour, and a very slight hint of oak, but not as pugnacious as the 14% might suggest. Outstanding value at less than £7 a bottle."
Mr Robert Lamb (28-Mar-2016)
2014 VINTAGE - PRESS REVIEWS
The Daily Telegraph (25th Feb 2017)
"Wow-factor wine for
under £10: Piemonte in northern Italy is famed for its spine-shivering
nebbiolo. Here the region’s second grape, barbera, is deployed to make an
excellent everyday red that tastes of red cherries and has a silky feel, but
with a taut, savoury flick-flack on the finish. Neat and pert and very useful
indeed. - Victoria Moore"
Liverpool Echo (8th Nov 2016)
"This is spicy and
smoky on the nose and packed with flavour. First impressions on the palate are
jam and cherries and it's as smooth as a baby's you know what. Rounded and
well-balanced, it's a bargain at this price. - Jane Clare"
2013 VINTAGE - MEMBER REVIEWS
"I realise I'm in a minority here but I didn't enjoy this wine. I found it to be quite out of balance with an abundance of sour cherries and not a lot else going on. I was quite surprised as I've only ever had a couple of different barbera's in the past but found them so appealing that I've bought them again and again from a local merchant and thought that this would be more of the same but unfortunately not.
On the plus side it's good to see that the society strive to find something interesting and challenging even at the cheaper end of the market. Safe, predictable, boring, generic, supermarket style plonk this most definitely is not. It's just a shame that it wasn't to my taste at all."
Mr Kieran Hynes (14-Jan-2016)
"Following my review on 4th November 2015, my second bottle was like an entirely different wine. This one had a much more restrained nose, without any of the cheap boiled sweet overtones of the first one. It tasted smooth, rich and plummy, with a little peppery spiciness giving it added depth of flavour. Very enjoyable drunk on its own and also with pasta and a home-made tomato sauce."
David J Richards Esq (22-Dec-2015)
"Great value, and very representative of the wine style. It's a real party guzzler too, lovely on its own, a nice medium weight wine with a touch of dark cherries and a lovely rounded quality with just enough bite to tempt you to drink another and...."
Mr James Brown (14-Dec-2015)
"I enjoyed this though the tasting note was for me rather over the top: the wine was a bit more restrained than presented. For me the "tang" was actually bitterness. Not unpleasant when you got used to it."
Mr Tristan Ward (11-Dec-2015)
"I am not aware of having drunk Barbera before, so I don’t know what it is supposed to taste like. I bought two bottles and this is my review of the first one. I will submit another when I have tasted the second bottle. Nose – The description of damson and black cherry is spot on, but although I found it deep, rich and complex, there was a finish of even more cherries that gave it an aroma like fruit drops. Taste – It started with a soft, smooth, peppery and slightly tannic flavour that was quite complex, but again with a sweet cherry finish. We drank this with a rich lasagne made of ragu and a cheese sauce and the wine was unable to cope with it and even clashed. Perhaps I was asking too much of this wine and will save the other bottle for something less demanding, such as a pizza or pasta with a simple tomato sauce.
"
David J Richards Esq (04-Nov-2015)
"Excellent value, dark colour, good fruit density, not too much oak."
Mr Edgar Bettridge (03-Nov-2015)
"I liked this - typical Italian fruit, a touch of spice and great value. A great partner to some slow cooked lamb shanks."
Mr Jon Milton (01-Nov-2015)
"Despite the promotional hype somewhat disappointing. Lacks balance with rather course tannins. Perseverance proved unrewarding."
Mr Matthew Baker (28-Oct-2015)
"I'm a big fan of barbera and was waiting in anticipation for this to arrive. It doesn't disappoint, despite my high expectations. Outstanding value at the introductory price but will remain so when that special offer expires.
Gorgeous deep blackberry colour and perfect balance of fruit and tannin."
Mr Martin Wingate (24-Oct-2015)
"I am afraid that I did not like this wine. I found it astringent (I think that is the right word) and thin. It might be that the wine is still young, and this characteristic (not bitter, not sour) will calm down. When you could get over this taste, it had some dark fruit, and some length and structure I suppose, but the opening of it just spoiled it for me."
Mr Jacob Johnson (14-Oct-2015)
"An outstanding wine for the price. I just ordered another case."
Mr Clive A Counsell (11-Oct-2015)