Picchioni Buttafuoco Solinghino 2024

Picchioni is one of the leading names in Oltrepò Pavese, in southern Lombardia, and this Buttafuoco Solinghino is built from the local trio of Barbera, Croatina and Ughetta di Solinga grown on the area's clay and limestone hillsides. The continental climate with warm days and cool nights gives the Barbera its firm acidity while the Croatina brings colour and tannin. Picchioni works organically, and the wine is aged for around six months in amphorae and concrete rather than oak. These neutral vessels allow gentle oxygen exchange without adding wood flavour, so the fruit and the soil character stay in front, and the slight micro-oxygenation softens the tannins while keeping the wine fresh. The colour is deep ruby. The nose leads with dark cherry, plum and red berries, with black pepper, dried herbs and a leathery, earthy note. The palate is medium to full bodied, with bright acidity, fine grippy tannins and a savoury finish that reflects the limestone soils. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted for half an hour. It suits braised beef, roast pork and aged hard cheeses.