Roberto Voerzio Barbera d’Alba Cerreto 2021

Roberto Voerzio makes this Barbera d'Alba in Piedmont, where he is known for a demanding approach that begins with very low yields in the vineyard. Production is deliberately limited, at fewer than 4,000 cases a harvest, and the fruit is concentrated as a result. Voerzio has moved away from the lighter traditional style of the area towards a fuller, more polished wine. Barbera is naturally high in acidity and low in hard tannin, which is why it takes so well to ageing in French oak, and the barrel here adds structure, vanilla and sweet spice while the fruit stays ripe and clear. The Alba hills give warm, sun-exposed sites on calcareous marl soils. The colour is a deep, glossy ruby. The nose shows ripe black cherry and plum, with red currant, vanilla and a note of liquorice. The palate is full and concentrated, with bright, mouth-watering acidity, fine tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a large glass. It suits braised beef, rich pasta and mushroom dishes.