Vigna Franca: Bold red wine of Central Italy

For those of us on the lookout for reasonably priced Italian red wines with big things to say in the glass, this is a prime candidate.  And it’s been available at Phoenix area Total Wine stores, now for three years running.

Although many people shy away from Italian wines because of their undeserved reputation for a thin body and high acidity, this is not always the case.  In some of Italy’s top producing regions, it’s just the opposite, big wines are the norm.

From an often undersold appellation of Italy just west of Rome, wines from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo boast a deep ruby color and complexity of flavors that make them a favorite with many wine aficionados.  These wines are reasonably priced on the average and go very well with meaty pasta preparations.

One of the more recent arrivals of these is the Vigna Franca Barba 2009 and it is on Total Wine’s shelves now replacing the 2007 and 2008 (both of which have been excellent). It is plenty old enough for immediate consumption, but should noticeably improve with some aging.

Its deep ruby color is complimented by a bouquet of leathery earthiness, pepper, dark spices, plus a subtle background of ripe fruit.  Although displaying a distinctive Italian bouquet, its dry character and powerful body move it away from Italy’s standard characteristics into French Syrah territory.

Vigna Franca’s body has a lithe backbone of acid that is combined with well structured tannins, definitely a pleaser for those of us who like big meaty vinos.  This structure is why aging will integrate these flavors even more.  At an alcohol level of only 13.5%, Barba’s long bone-dry peppery finish is a “self starter”, very nice.

The best pairings for this are Italian-inspired beef delights that feature plenty of roasted or braised cooking.  Barba will ride along very well to celebrate with entrees featuring steaks and red sauce pasta sides.  Serve family style with the wine going around the table with the food.  Acclamazioni!

Additional pairing note: This wine will stand up to heavy entrees, but in turn, will also overpower lighter ones, even white sauce pastas.

At Total Wine’s price of $15.99, this is a very good deal for such a well apportioned red wine.  Serve from the fridge after about 20 minutes (60-65 degrees), just to keep it spicy.