Jordan River Classic Barbera 2019

The vineyards of family-owned Jordan River Wines are located on the Mafraq Plateau, in the northern region of the country, 80 km north of Amman.  This is a holy site to the Abrahamic religions and the World Heritage site of Umm El-Jimal. It is also home to the only two wineries in the country.  The landscape is dominated by an extinct volcano.  The iron-rich, organically-poor soil sits upon a massive basalt slab that makes the vines work feverishly to reach the water table.  Jordan is ranked as the 3rd most water-poor country on earth and the region receives scant rainfall during the dry summers.  However, the adjacent Massive Jabal Al-Arab glacier feeds glacial melt into 400-metre-deep aquifers that sustain the vineyards.  330 sunny days per year, on average, allow for full phenolic ripeness in the skins.  These grapes are grown at elevation (840 meters above sea level), with huge diurnal temperature shifts that impart freshness and acidity in the wines produced.

 When done well, Barbera’s bright acidity, juicy fruit character and soft tannins are a natural partner for the vast variety of fare found at the backyard BBQ.  This is fresh and fun with beautiful aromas of blackberry, plum, black pepper and cinnamon.  The palate is mid-weight with bright acids and soft, mild tannins along with just a hint of savouriness that keeps things interesting.  A great exploratory dive into Middle-Eastern wine and archetypal Barbera character.  Chill lightly and serve with grilled, saucy pork chops, ribs or chicken. 

12 bottles per case (Includes HST).