2013 Sobon Barbera Amador County

In the previous post, we reviewed the Terra d’Oro Barbera from Amador County. Today we give you the 2013 Sobon Barbera. Like the Terra d’Oro, we purchased the Sobon Barbera at the Nob Hill supermarket in Redwood Shores. Both are on the shelf for the same price, $11.99.  The Shenandoah Valley in Amador County is the location of both of these wineries. At the small Sobon Family Estate Winery, it is a real family affair. Paul Sobon is the winemaker, and Sobon Family members run the key positions of the business. The entire estate vineyards are sustainably farmed.

Janelle and I tasted the Terra d’ Oro Barbera and the Sobon Barbera on two successive evenings. We enjoyed both immensely. We score both at 89 Points,  but will give the edge to the Sobon. Both have very similar characteristics, but the Sobon has more spice and a much longer finish.

My tasting notes – 2013 Sobon Barbera Amador County 89 Points

• Cherry cola aroma and flavors from start to finish
• Abundant spicy red fruit throughout
• Long finish of spice and cherry flavors
• A very food-friendly wine

Foods to pair with the 2013 Sobon Barbera

(Same as the 2014 Terra d’ Oro Barbera)

• The acidity and medium body give this wine a big food-matching plus
• A tomato pizza
• Pasta Pomodoro
• Roasted chicken
• A picnic lunch with sandwiches, etc.

Barbera in your wine cellar

Do you have Barbera wine in your wine cellar? Barbera is such a versatile food wine, but it especially matches with foods that have some acidity. Tomato-based sauces are a good example of foods that will love Barbera. Stock your cellar with both California Barbera wines, and have a few from the Piedmonte region of Italy. The two areas in Piedmont are specifically Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’ Alba. You should be able to find many Barbera wines priced under $20. The great ones are expensive. Watch this one-minute Barbera movie.