Francesco Versio Barbera d´Alba 2023

Francesco Versio works family vineyards at San Cristoforo and Currà in Piedmont, in the Alba zone, and farms naturally, learning his trade under Dante Scaglione at Figli Luigi Oddero. Barbera d'Alba is grown on the calcareous marl soils of the Langhe hills, where the grape keeps the high, fresh acidity that defines it while ripening to deep colour and ripe fruit. Barbera carries little tannin of its own, so the structure here comes from the fruit and acid rather than grip. After fermentation, malolactic conversion settles the sharp acidity, and the wine is aged twenty-four months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange adds tobacco, spice and a fine savoury edge. The 2023 is deep and luminous, with aromas of dried flowers, ripe red fruit, tobacco and a hint of spice. The palate is bright and savoury, with cherry and plum fruit carried by lively acidity through a clean, long finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. Its acidity makes it a fine match for tomato dishes and rich meats.