2019 BARBERA D’ALBA, ‘Conca Tre Pile’, Aldo Conterno. Piedmont, Italy

From the village of Monforte D’Alba, at the heart of the Langhe hills, where one finds the hauntingly beautiful vineyards that make Italy’s greatest wines. Conca Tre Pile refers to a single vineyard of that name.

100% Barbera, aged in new French oak for a year.

Aldo Conterno split from his brother Giovanni (of Giacomo Conterno) to form his own estate in 1969. He died in 2012 and the estate is run by his son Franco. The reputation remains outstanding.

This is an oustanding example of a grape that can often be quite ‘hard work’ outside of its native area (of course in Piedmont it always tastes great with the local food). Gentle handling and clever use of oak gives a soft, rounded touch.

Barbera’s high acidity makes it great with food – particularly anything rich or high in fat like pork or duck.