Bruno Rocca Barbera d’Alba 2023

Bruno Rocca is best known for Barbaresco, but the family also makes this Barbera from the dedicated D.O.C. Barbera d'Alba zone in Piedmont. Barbera is the third most widely planted grape in Italy and a regional everyday red, prized for its deep colour, low tannin and naturally high acidity. The vineyards around Alba grow on calcareous marl soils that give the wine its juicy fruit and freshness, while the continental climate with warm days and cool nights helps the grapes ripen fully while keeping that bright acidity intact. At 15 percent alcohol this is a ripe, generous style. The wine spends twelve months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange softens its edges and adds vanilla and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The colour is deep ruby with violet glints. The nose shows ripe cherry, plum and red berries with cracked black pepper and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate is full and fleshy, with bright acidity, soft tannins and a savoury, liquorice-edged finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. The high acidity makes it a natural with tomato-rich dishes and grilled meats.