Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba 2016

Sandrone's inky, layered Barbera is drawn from three sites; the Cascina Pe Mol, as well as Merli and Rocche di San Nicola (in Novello). At between 1200-1500 feet, these are some of the highest, most exposed vineyards in the region. As per the Dolcetto, Sandrone runs some of the region's finest sites for this variety and does so organically. Merli is a south-southwest facing bowl that catches the afternoon light perfectly, its wines bring earthy and robust depth and good aromatic complexity. Rocche di San Nicola is an extremely steep vineyard at the very end of the Novello promontory, its sun catching location helping to deliver ripeness and texture to balance Barbera's natural acidity. To bring the structure for which this wine is noted Sandrone mature their Barbera in 500 litre casks, 40% of which were new. The estate has special, untoasted barrels made (in Burgundy) for this cuvee, so as to ensure the wood is very discrete. 2016 is a more delicate year for the Barbera (than say, 2012 or 2013). This is all class with fine, aromatic blueberry and red cherry fruit and subtle cedar notes.