Spinetta Barberad'Asti

Spinetta Barberad'Asti is listed under Italian white wines, with Esplanda as the producer and Massachusetts as the appellation. The name echoes Barbera d'Asti, a Piedmont designation that usually refers to a red wine made from the Barbera grape. The listing gives no grape, vintage, alcohol level or tasting notes, so the specifics below describe what to expect from the category, not a measured profile of this bottle. If it is a dry Italian-style white, expect a bright, fairly light to medium-bodied wine. Styles like this usually have citrus and orchard-fruit character, moderate acidity, little or no oak influence and a clean, short-to-medium finish. If the bottle follows the Barbera d'Asti name and turns out to be a red, expect the opposite: dark cherry and plum fruit, very low tannin, vivid acidity and a juicy, savory finish. For a white, serve it well chilled at about 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F). A standard white wine glass with a moderate bowl will keep the aromas focused. Decanting is not needed. Light, acidic whites pair well with grilled vegetables, shellfish, salads dressed with lemon, soft cheeses and simple pasta dishes with olive oil or herbs. A red in the Barbera style is best at about 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F) in a medium red wine glass. It suits tomato-based pasta, pizza, cured meats and roasted poultry, and it also doesn't need decanting. Wines in either style are generally made for drinking soon after release, not for long cellaring. Check the bottle's label for the grape and vintage before pairing or serving.