Elio Altare Barbera d’Alba 2024

Elio Altare returned from Burgundy to the Langhe and overhauled his family winery, championing sustainable farming, native yeasts and clean fruit over old barrels. This Barbera d'Alba comes from a leading cru in the hills around Alba. Barbera ripens readily on the calcareous marl here, building deep colour and rich, dark fruit while keeping the naturally high acidity that is the grape's signature and which makes it such a good table wine. The fruit is farmed with respect for the land and fermented with the vineyard's own yeasts before ageing in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange softens the texture and adds a light spice and vanilla without burying the fruit. The colour is deep ruby with a purple cast. The nose is generous, with black cherry, plum and red berries over pepper and a touch of liquorice. The palate is full and juicy, low in tannin but lifted by bright, mouth-watering acidity that keeps it fresh and food-friendly, the dark fruit carrying into a clean, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. The acidity makes it a natural with tomato-based dishes, grilled pork and rich pasta.