New livery for the Breaking Ground releases from Margan.  Understated class, somewhat similar to the winemaker. I’ve mentioned the back story before but I do like telling the story: The cuttings for Margan’s Barbera came from Mudgee’s Montrose vineyard. This vines had come to Australia in the suitcase of one Carlo Corino. Grown on the Ceres Hill vineyard in the Broke Fordwich sub region of the Hunter Valley.

Margan, Breaking Ground, Barbera, Hunter Valley, 2016

Don’t let slightly thin colour fool you, this is a structured potent release. Tarry aromas partnered with deep cherry, raspberry and earthy roast beetroot, highlighted with a nutty, brown spice sweetness. The balance of earthen and berry fruit flavours are in wonderful harmony: sweet/savoury sharing the load, with cracked black peppercorn spice seasoning so pleasant and a lingering black molasses ghost. The tannins are persistent, firm and don’t interrupt the special moments. Like all good Italians, this is made for food and friends.

RRP: $40
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 18.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Margan Family Wines