Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Nizza Riserva 2020, Piemonte, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Barbera from Nizza DOCG Riserva, produced by Bersano from the “Generala” vineyard in Monferrato. Aged 30 months, with at least 12 months in wood. A strikingly polished and generous expression of Barbera that massively overdelivers for the price.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum compote, dried red berries, sweet spice, subtle vanilla, and a touch of cedar. Ripe and expressive, with lovely depth and a smooth oak influence.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full body with supple texture and beautifully integrated acidity. Smooth, rounded, and polished, with enough structure to keep it serious while remaining incredibly easy to enjoy.

Food Pairings
Braised short ribs, mushroom pasta, sausage pizza, aged cheeses, roast pork, or hearty tomato-based dishes.

Verdict
A bafflingly good value. This bottle drinks far above its price point and shows how serious Barbera from Nizza can be when given proper élevage. Plush, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Did You Know?
Nizza DOCG is considered one of the top appellations for Barbera, focused on a smaller, higher-quality zone within Monferrato in Piemonte.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of those bottles that makes you stop and say, “Wait… Trader Joe’s?” Smooth enough to rival many wines well above its shelf price. — 17 days ago

Trevor

9.1

The higher alcohol content of this wine made this slightly more bitter than I would like, but still quite good! Very good value. — 4 years ago

Mark Juckeland

9.8

This is a big fruit forward wine. Probably the best DS I’ve had in awhile and ‘14s. Black licorice on the nose and a lot of baked dark fruit. Palate is well balance. Fruit, acid and great texture. — 5 years ago

Brent S

9.2

A bit shocked. — 2 months ago

Dawn E.

9.1

I think I found a gem at Trader Joe's! Reference other 2024 reviews, delicious, very much so for the price point! Quick stop on trip back from Mason City! Peeps, I am finally a Grandma! — 6 months ago

Eric Peterson

9.5

Forest floor, sour cherry and fennel on the nose. Dark fruit, light spice and black tea. Smoky oak finish — 4 years ago

Paul K

9.4

Bottle #2 from case and it has gained some structure and opened a bit in the last 1.5 years. Nose is great, reminds me a lot of last nights Pontet Canet on nose. Hint of tobacco, pencil leaf, red fruits currant, kirsch, and red berries. Great mouthfeel, great balance, and good structure. Looking forward to another in 2 years if I can wait! — 3 months ago

Howard bain

8.9

Spruce wine — 7 months ago

TJ

9.3

Crisp and dry and Steve liked it, also. — 4 years ago

Michael

9.5

Light in taste and color. Lightly bitter. Easy drink. — 5 years ago