Bera Vittorio Barbera d’Asti Ronco Malo 2021

Bera Vittorio e Figli is a family winery at Canelli in the Asti hills, best known for having bottled its own Moscato in 1964 rather than selling the fruit to the local cooperative. Its vineyards are farmed organically to protect the biodiversity of the plots. Ronco Malo is a natural Barbera drawn from a single hectare in the DOCG Barbera d'Asti. Barbera is defined by high natural acidity and low tannin, which gives the wine its fresh, food-friendly backbone even in warm vintages. This cuvee spends 24 months in old concrete vats, an inert vessel that holds the fruit and acidity intact while allowing a slow, gentle ageing without any oak flavour. The wine is deep in colour with dark cherry, plum and red berry fruit, a savoury earthy centre and hints of dried herbs and black pepper. The palate is bright and structured, the acidity carrying a long, clean finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a medium bowl. It is a natural partner for red meats, roast pork and tomato-based dishes.