Cascina Delle Rose Donna Elena Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2022

Cascina delle Rose makes Donna Elena in the Tre Stelle area of Barbaresco, a family winery farmed organically and known for silky, fine-boned reds. This is single-variety Barbera from the Barbera d'Alba Superiore denomination, the Superiore classification requiring higher ripeness and longer ageing. Barbera is defined by deep colour, low tannin and naturally high acidity, which keeps the ripe fruit fresh even at fifteen per cent alcohol. The calcareous marl of the Langhe hills and warm days with cool nights build both the ripeness and the acid line. The wine ages twelve months in oak foudres, large old casks that soften the texture through slow oxygen exchange while keeping the fruit clear. The colour is deep purple-red. The nose shows ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry with a little spice and earth. The palate is full bodied and generous, the ripe dark fruit lifted by bright acidity and carried on a soft tannic frame, finishing warm and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits rich meat dishes, salami and tomato-based pasta and pizza.