Barbera d'Alba, Cantina Rizzi 2020

Enrico Dellapiana’s 2020 Barbera is a fine young bottle, delivering a bright and complex bouquet of cherries, a touch of peanut, gamebird, fresh oregano, a complex base of soil tones and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is vibrant, full-bodied and tangy, with a lovely core of fruit, good soil undertow, buried, moderate tannins and lovely focus and balance on the long, complex and very classy finish. This is another of the top flight examples of Barbera that will age for a decade or more in the cellar and provide excellent drinking every step of the way. A great value! 2021-2031+

The 2020 Barbera d'Alba is absolutely delicious already. Bright ruby in the glass, it is bursting with cherry, strawberry and plum character on the nose. The palate follows in the same vein, yet this boisterous fruit is matched by bright acids and gently framed by chalky, fine tannins. It is not simple, there are hints of sweet spice and a touch of cured meat too. Harmonious balance and supple fruit make this very moreish. A long finish suggests good ageing potential, but it is simply a joy to drink now.