Luigi Tacchino Barbera del Monferrato 2019

Luigi Tacchino is a family winery at Castelletto d'Orba in the Alto Monferrato, the southern reach of Piedmont, working traditional local grapes at a fair price. Barbera del Monferrato is the regional everyday red, and this 2019 is made to show the grape rather than the cellar. The vines sit on the calcareous clay marls typical of the Monferrato hills, which hold water through dry summers and feed Barbera's naturally high acidity. The wine is raised entirely in stainless steel, with no oak contact, so the focus stays on primary fruit and freshness. Temperature controlled fermentation preserves the aromatics, and the inert tank keeps oxygen away, locking in colour and the grape's vivid sourness. Expect a deep ruby colour, a nose of red cherry, raspberry and plum, and a palate that is bright and juicy with low tannin, a savoury earthiness and a peppery edge. The finish is clean and tart. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, in a standard red glass, no decanting needed. It is a natural match for tomato based pasta, cured pork and a chunk of hard cheese.