90 Points Wine Advocate:The 2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Franca is a rich, seamless wine laced with dark fruit, spices, and flowers, all of which are supported by fine, ripe tannins. Tar, smoke and licorice add complexity on the close, while the oak is nicely integrated. The 2007 is a touch more forward than the 2006 tasted alongside it.
Great value, enjoyable silky with a pleasantly tart finish
Wine Maker Notes The Fratelli Barba winery, completed in 1991, uses the latest technology: the entry line for the grapes has been redesigned in 2005 and every part renovated, from the crusher-destemmer machine to the heat exchange. The system which controls the temperature of the must allows regulating the fermentation process and bringing out its perfume. Careful selection of best grapes in vineyard and hand harvest in cases. Fermentation with controlled temperature in conical base french rover vats, with post fermentation maceration till 18-20 days from fermentation start. Malolactic fermentation with refining on its fine dregs for at least 60 days. Quality elevation in small rover barrels for 14 months.