Barbera d'Alba, Bartolo Mascarello 2021

The 2021 Barbera d'Alba is a fabulous, classy wine. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and baking spice infuse the 2021 with striking complexity. Medium in body, but also quite fleshy and succulent, this is wonderfully appealing. Maria Teresa Mascarello ripped out her Barbera vines in 2020 because of disease, so the 2021 is a blend of purchased fruit from vineyards in Alba, Treiso and Diano. 2024-2031

Aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry and clove follow over to the succulent, delicious palate along with white pepper and a hint of hazelnut. Spending two years in casks, it’s enveloping and ready to enjoy now thanks to the great fruit and smooth tannins. Drink through 2025.