Giovanni Rosso Barbera d’Alba 2024

Giovanni Rosso works vineyards with more than a century of history at Serralunga d'Alba in Piedmont, the same Barolo commune the estate is known for, with Davide Rosso now overseeing the wines. This Barbera d'Alba is organically farmed and comes from the calcareous marl soils of the Langhe hills, which lend the wine its firm acidity and a fine mineral cut. Barbera is naturally low in tannin but high in acid, so the structure here comes from freshness rather than grip, and the marl soils sharpen that line further. The wine spends six months in barrel, where gentle oxygen exchange through the wood softens the edges and adds a light spice and a savoury, earthy depth while keeping the fruit in front. Malolactic fermentation settles the sharp malic acidity into a rounder lactic softness. The colour is bright ruby, the nose ripe plum and black cherry with red berries and a peppery, liquorice note. The palate is juicy and fresh, the acidity lively and food-friendly, the finish clean and savoury. Serve at 16 degrees in a medium bowl. A natural match for Piedmontese pasta, braised meats and tomato-based dishes.