Picchioni Bricco Riva Bianca Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepo Pavese 2021

Picchioni works in the Oltrepò Pavese, a hilly winegrowing area in southern Lombardy about an hour south of Milan. Buttafuoco is one of the zone's signature reds, a rich, dark style traditionally made from a blend led by Barbera and Croatina, here completed with the local Ughetta di Solinga. Barbera brings bright acidity and red fruit, Croatina adds colour, body and grippy tannin, and Ughetta lends spice and aromatic depth. The vineyards grow on clay and limestone hillsides, and the warm continental climate ripens the grapes fully, giving the wine its depth and weight. Farming is natural, organic and the wine is suitable for vegans. It is aged for twelve months in large foudres, where slow oxygen exchange through the big casks softens Croatina's firm tannins and adds a measured frame of spice without overt new-oak flavour. It pours a deep, dense ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry with black pepper, liquorice, dried herbs and a touch of cocoa. The palate is full bodied and rich, with dark fruit, fresh acidity from the Barbera, firm tannins and a long, savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting ahead. It suits roast and braised meats, salumi and hard cheese.