Stella Giuseppe Il Maestro Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2023

Stella Giuseppe has worked the Monferrato hills in the province of Asti, in north west Piedmont, since 1920, in one of Italy's most important red wine districts. Barbera is the reigning local grape and the most representative of the area, prized for deep colour, generous dark fruit and the high natural acidity that defines it. The Superiore designation requires longer ageing, and this wine sees eighteen months in foudre. The calcareous clay soils of Monferrato and the marked day to night temperature range help retain that signature acidity while the fruit ripens fully, which is why Barbera keeps its freshness even at higher ripeness. Time in large oak casks rounds the texture through slow oxygen exchange and softens the wine without masking the fruit, since the volume of a foudre limits direct oak flavour. Expect a deep ruby colour and a nose of black cherry, plum and red berries lifted by black pepper, with a touch of vanilla and liquorice from the wood. The palate is full and juicy, the bright acidity cutting through to a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with hearty pasta or grilled meats.