Cascina Degli Ulivi Bellotti Le Mat du Raisin 2023

Cascina degli Ulivi sits in the Alto Monferrato of Piedmont, in north-west Italy, an estate of more than 22 hectares farmed biodynamically by the Bellotti family. Le Mat du Raisin blends Barbera and Dolcetto, two of the region's classic reds. Barbera is the engine here, a variety prized for naturally high acidity and deep colour with light tannin, grown on the calcareous marl soils of Monferrato that lend freshness and a savoury edge. Dolcetto softens the blend with rounder, plummier fruit. The wine is made naturally with minimal intervention and aged twelve months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange settles the tannins and adds a gentle savoury depth while keeping the bright fruit to the fore. The colour is a deep, vibrant red with garnet reflections. The nose shows red cherry, plum and raspberry, with violet and a dried-herb savouriness. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, carried by Barbera's bright acidity, the tannins fine and the finish dry and lively. This is an energetic, food-friendly Piedmontese red. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly cool. Its acidity makes it a natural with rich, tomato-based cooking.