Cascina Castlèt Barbera D'Asti 'Vespa' 2020

You know how in every class there is one overlooked kid? She keeps to herself and eschews the spotlight. She does her thing while another kid soaks up the light and basks in endless praise. If Italy were a school and Piedmont were a classroom, the first kid would be Barbera and the second would be Nebbiolo.

Barbera is the most planted grape in Piedmont and the wine of choice for the locals—who love that it pairs well with their cuisine, is easy-to-drink, is full of red and black fruit flavours, and has enough spicy, earthy notes to taste like the terroir of home. However, outside of Piedmont it lives in the shadows of Nebbiolos like Barolo and Barbaresco and seldom gets the admiration it deserves.

This Barbera is from the region of Asti where Barbera originated and has thrived for centuries. In 2008, Barbera d’Asti region became a DOCG, which is the highest quality level in Italian wine law. The Cascina Castlèt winery had been in the Borio family for generations before Mariuccia inherited it from her father in 1970. She is making ethical wines that respect people, culture, and the environment.

Next time you plan to serve a simple pasta dish, first pick up a bottle of Cascina Castlèt Barbera d’Asti. Sometimes the quietest kid in the room turns out to be the most delightful—once you get to know her. Same with wine. Find it at Happy Coffee and Wine 1304 King Street West, Toronto - $35.