Grape Varietal: Barbera Country: United States Region: Yakima Valley, Washington The Wine: Sage Rat is the personal label of Dusty Jenkins — Yakima Valley native and head winemaker at Gilbert Cellars — dedicated to low-intervention wines from Italian and unconventional varieties that reflect the Valley's character without pretense. The 2023 Barbera is sourced from certified sustainable Portteus Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA, vinified 100% whole cluster, and aged 11 months in neutral French oak, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Barbera 2023 is a bright, juicy, and savorily edged expression of Yakima Valley. It opens with aromas of black cherry, dried cranberry, and fresh violet, lifted by a faint whiff of dried sage and crushed stem. On the palate, it is lively and medium-bodied, with snappy acidity, soft dusty tannins, and a finish of dark plum skin and a hint of tamarind that lingers cleanly. Pairing: Pork meatballs in tomato-fennel broth, a simple pizza bianca with caramelized onions and fontina, roasted beet and walnut salad with aged balsamic, or a Tuesday night pasta with whatever sausage is left in the fridge.
