A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti Le Orme Superiore

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2008 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti Le Orme Superiore from the Piedmont region of Italy.

Our selection criteria include:

• A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
• A price tag of
• Must be widely available

Coming from a line of seven generations of grape growers, Michele Chiarlo founded his namesake winery in 1956. Today, Mr. Chiarlo is a leading figure in the Piedmont wine industry. Michele Chiarlo is definitely a family business with Mr. Chiarlo’s sons, Alberto and Stefano, now playing key roles. Alberto directs marketing and sales while Stefano manages vineyard operations and serves as co-winemaker.

“Ruby red with purple highlights. Elegant with fine intensity, hints of wild berries and mint leaves. Dry, full-fruity and well structured.” –Michele Chiarlo

2008 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti Le Orme Superiore (Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy): Medium-deep ruby red in color. Nice nose with earth and red fruit aromas. Fruit-forward with ripe red fruit, especially cherry and raspberry, earth, and black licorice on the palate. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and medium, smooth tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Fred Meyer (Seattle, Washington), $14.49; Available elsewhere, $12 to $14

A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti Le Orme Superiore was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.