While Barolo may be the king of Piedmont, its little brother, Barbera, cavorts around the region like a playboy prince, constantly reinventing itself and turning up in a variety of unexpected disguises. It’s fiendishly difficult to grape to pin down and we have tasted it in all its forms, from the very dark and brooding, to the light and ethereal. This one clearly looks up to its big brother, displaying similar flavour characteristics of warm plum skins, loose tea, kirsch, tangy black fruits and cherry wood with something a bit wild, a bit floral adding energy and lift, and a subtle background smokiness. The palate has the refined texture of a serious wine, with natural, unfiltered, fine-grained tannins, which have integrated seamlessly into the wine. It's like a mini-Barolo. In fact, to our minds it outshines and out-pleasures many. It is at a glorious stage in its life, possessing the magic of both maturity and youth, with the sheer vibrancy of the fruit and flavours that linger on the palate. Irresistible. 14.5% alc. Drink now – 2028.