Barbera d'Alba, Cantina Rizzi 2021

Here's another food-friendly alternative from beautiful Piedmont. The Rizzi 2021 Barbera d'Alba opens to an inky dark appearance with thickly concentrated flavors of cherry liqueur, crème de cassis and black plum. The wine is textured and layered with soft fruit flavors. It ends with a spot of freshness, but the acidity is balanced against the sweetness of the fruit. This wine sees a brief six months in oak followed by a slow 16 months in cement to relax and integrate. Some 13,700 bottles will hit the market in September. Drink: 2023 - 2027.

Bright violet in colour, the nose is packed with sweet blueberry and raspberry fruit that bursts intensely out of the glass. This same energy carries through to the palate, which has integrated, lightly chalky tannins and a streak of almost zesty acidity. This is lip-smacking and delicious, drinking very well now despite its youth. Depsite the freshness, the fruit remains plump and juicy, lingering on a very moreish finish. Enjoy it over the next 5+ years.