Spotlight
Lunaria
Coste di Moro Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018
Very nice price/pleasure ratio for this beautiful natural grape variety wine featuring Montepulciano in the spotlight in an interpretation of the purity of fruit. Deep purple dress. Sour cherry, plum, almond, vanilla, integrated oak; of a beautiful intensity. In the mouth it is charming and intense, balance, on the generosity of the fruit, of a beautiful delicacy of which the Italians definitely have the secret. Coup de coeur! To drink a little refreshed.
Très jolie rapport prix/plaisir pour ce beau vin nature de cépage mettant le Montepulciano à l’honneur dans une interprétation sur la pureté du fruit. Robe violine profonde. Nez cerise, griotte, prune, amende, vanille, chêne intégré; d’une belle intensité. En bouche c’est charmant et intense, équilibre, sur la générosité du fruit, d’une belle gourmandise dont les italiens ont définitivement le secret. Coup de cœur! À boire un peu rafraîchi. — 3 years ago
Chapelle St. Theodoric
La Guigasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache 2011
All the spices you can find on a really complex and medium body châteauneuf. Really good now and ready for the spotlight. — 5 years ago
Suenen
Oiry Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Chardonnay 2018
Incredible Blanc de Blanc. Oiry needs a bigger spotlight. — 2 years ago
Langlois-Château
Saumur Cabernet Franc 2020
The charm of the Cab-franc de Loire in the expression of a cuvée to drink on youth. Variety notes in the spotlight: raspberry, violet, slate. 2020 is concentrated, bearing the stigma of solar vintages with almost liquorice notes. Blindly, it almost feels like you're in the Rhône-Nord (without pepper) Fine and gourmet. Drink refreshed 13/15 degrees.
Le charme du Cab-franc de Loire dans l’expression d’une cuvée à boire sur la jeunesse. Notes variétales à l’honneur: framboise, violette, ardoise. 2020 est concentré, portant les stigmates des millésimes solaires avec des notes presque réglisse. A l’aveugle on se croirait presque dans le Rhône-Nord (sans le poivre) Fin et gourmand. À boire rafraîchi 13/15 degrés. — 4 years ago
Robert Mondavi Winery
Spotlight Collection Momentum Napa Valley Red Blend 2015
2015 - ages nicely - with homemade pizza. Perfect pairing. Easy to drink red. Sad when the bottle was empty!! — a year ago
Caduceus Cellars
Primer Paso California Syrah Blend 2014
Dry, but juicy; bold but bright; heavy but acidic - it’s fascinating how much the 4% white grape steals the spotlight from the otherwise predictably solid Syrah/Petite Syrah/Grenache red blend. — 5 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Macchia – “Delicious” Barbera – 2023
Heaven’s Vines, Lodi – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Barbera from Lodi. an Italian indigenous grape known for its naturally high acidity, juicy fruit, and casual drinkability. Macchia Winery, celebrated for producing over 20 distinct styles of Zinfandel, also showcases its versatility with Italian varieties. Consistently recognized with domestic and international awards, the winery brings Barbera into the spotlight with this vibrant estate bottling.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries, plum, blackberry compote, and a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. Fresh, fruity, and forward with that classic Barbera brightness.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a smooth, easygoing finish. Juicy fruit drives the palate, making it approachable and highly sip-worthy.
Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie. A true “any day, any time” red.
Verdict
A fun, approachable, and fruit-driven Barbera with Macchia’s signature Lodi generosity. Casual enough for weeknight sipping yet polished enough to show the quality behind this estate-grown wine.
Did You Know?
Barbera is one of Italy’s most widely planted red grapes, cherished for its fresh acidity and versatility. In California, Lodi’s warm days and cool delta breezes help the variety express generous fruit while maintaining balance. — 5 days ago