Agliano Terme is the source of Coppo Pomorosso.

Coppo Barbera d’Asti represents the exciting, modern style of one of Piemonte’s traditional grapes. For decades, Barbera was a workhorse, pushed hard for volume and efficiency with little focus on charm and elegance. Coppo brought new sensibilities to their Barbera in the 1980’s.

Coppo trimmed yields and focused on achieving full, but not excessive, ripeness. They began aging the wines in French oak barrels. The result is rich, sophisticated wines which show the region at its best.

You can try the Coppa Camp du Rouss and Coppo Pomorosso and many other Piemonte wines this Sunday at a tasting/book reading event I’ve organized for the San Francisco Wine School in South San Francisco.

2014 Coppo L’Avocata Barbera d’Asti DOCG Piemonte Italy 89pts 13.0% 750ml screwcap $15

Fruit-forward Barbera with a savory backdrop. Ripe black cherry, earthy black plum, dark mineral and spice aromas. Medium body, very fine, soft, moderate tannins and loads of black cherry in the mouth. It will be great with charcuterie, such as prosciutto, bresaola and thin slices of smoked duck breast. Best now through 2019.

2012 Coppo Camp du Rouss Barbera d’Asti DOCG Piemonte Italy 90+pts 14.5% 750ml $21

Ripe red and black berries intermingle with dark chocolate, leather and dry herb on the nose and palate. Medium+ body and tannins of fine, soft chalk which are prominent on the finish. A very good Barbera which will benefit from decanting or a couple of years in the cellar. Drink now through 2024.

2010 Coppo Pomorosso Barbera d’Asti DOCG Piemonte Italy 93+pts 14.5% 750ml $50

A gorgeous wine with great balances of texture and freshness, fruit and savoriness. Ripe bing cherry, black plum and dark spice aromas carry through to the palate, joined by rich, medium-dark chocolate. Medium+ tannins of fine, soft chalk lend lovely texture. Very satisfying and drinking super well right now with a long finish. Best now through 2020.

Copyright Fred Swan 2016. All rights reserved.