Underdog Grape · Italy

Croatina, Vespolina & Uva Rara

In a forgotten corner of Lombardy, three native grapes make rustic, lightly fizzy reds — and one stubborn legend, Lino Maga, turned them into a cult wine called Barbacarlo.

Tasting profile
Full tasting notes live in the deep dive.
Drinks like
a peppery, rustic cross of Barbera and Gamay
Taste
LightBold
SoftAcidic
SmoothTannic
DrySweet
Tastes like
Red cherryCranberryWhite pepperEarth
Where it grows
Oltrepò Pavese, Italy
The verdict
Contender87 / 100
Where to buy
Buying links coming soon — for specific bottles, read the deep dive.

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The region

Oltrepò Pavese, Italy

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Read the deep diveBarbacarlo & the Lost Grapes of Oltrepò Pavese

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