Vietti Tre Vigne Barbera d’Alba 2021

Vietti is one of the benchmark producers of the Langhe in Piedmont, based at Castiglione Falletto. The family staked its reputation on Barbera when others were pulling it out, and this Tre Vigne bottling draws on organically farmed vineyards across three sites. Barbera is defined by naturally high acidity and low tannin, which makes it fresh, food-friendly and deeply coloured. The calcareous marl soils of the Alba hills and the region's warm days and cool nights ripen the fruit fully while retaining that bright acidity. The wine is aged twelve months in a combination of barrique and larger old cask, so the smaller oak lends a little structure and spice while the larger, more neutral vessels keep the emphasis on fruit, the slow oxygen exchange softening the wine without heavy wood character. The colour is deep ruby-purple, the nose showing ripe cherry, plum, red berries, cracked pepper and a hint of liquorice. The palate is juicy and full, the vivid acidity carrying the fruit to a savoury, lightly spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with pasta in tomato or meat sauce, roast pork or grilled beef.