Cascina degli Ulivi Mounbè 2014

Cascina degli Ulivi has been farmed since 1977 by the Bellotti family in Piedmont, with biodynamics in the vineyards since 1984 under Stefano Bellotti, a pioneer of the movement in Italy, and now under his daughter Ilaria. Mounbè is a natural wine led by Barbera with a little Dolcetto and Ancellotta. Barbera is naturally high in acidity and low in tannin, and here it reaches full ripeness at fifteen per cent alcohol, giving a ripe, generous style held in balance by that bright acidity. The wine is aged for sixteen months in foudre, where the large old wood gives slow, gentle oxygen exchange that softens the wine and adds savoury depth without imposing oak flavour. With minimal intervention and no additions, the fruit and the soil come through clearly. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is rich, with dark cherry, plum, dried herbs and a peppery spice. The palate is full bodied and warm, the acidity keeping it fresh against the ripeness, the tannins soft and the finish long. Serve at around 17 degrees. It suits braised and roast red meats, rich pasta and aged cheese.