Abruzzo Powerhouse: Barba Vigna Franca Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2022

Tasting Notes

Inky ruby-red with a flash of purple. Aromas hit first—baked cherries, dried orange peel, clove, and a soft spice-vanilla note. On the palate it’s medium-bodied but confident: lush red berries, cocoa, forest herbs, and lightly smoky oak. The tannins are supple, the acidity lively, and the finish smooth and lightly chewy. Big flavor, zero drama. 

Meet the Winemaker

Fratelli Barba—Abruzzo’s wine rebels since forever—grows Montepulciano grapes that spend up to 18–20 days on skins, ferment in temperature-controlled tanks and age in French oak barrels for 14 months. The result: full-throttle structure with regional finesse and real value. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

• Vintage: 2022

• Region: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo, Italy 

• Aging: Temperature-controlled fermentation, 14 months in French oak barrels, post‑fermentation maceration of up to 18–20 days, 60 days lees contact 

• ABV: ~13.5% 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 16–18 °C (decant for max roundness)

Critic Reviews

• James Suckling: 90 pts — “Juicy and polished red with supple tannins and a spicy aftertaste. Medium-bodied with notes of baked cherries, dried oranges and cocoa. Smooth and textural. Drink now.”

• Wine‑Searcher consensus: Average 90 / 100, praised for structure, fruit, balance. 

• Vivino average rating: ~3.7/5 stars with notes of dark berry, vanilla, spice and smoke. 

Food Pairings

• Grilled rib-eye or braised brisket

• Beef ragù over pappardelle

• Aged pecorino or sharp Italian cheeses

• Spicy sausage pizza (hello, ‘nduja)

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you want big personality without breaking the bank. Barba’s Vigna Franca 2022 brings dark fruit depth, silky spice, and smooth structure without pretense. Perfect for casual but polished dinners—or lazy Sunday cooking with swagger.

Ready to drink powerhouse Italian red? Add Barba Vigna Franca 2022 to your cart—free shipping on cases or club perks included. Sip bold, live bold, cellar some.