The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli (with 10,000 bottles produced) shows a beautifully fruity, almost juicy personality that paints an authentic portrait of this grape. The Congo winemaking team has worked out its approach to elegant wines. This Barbera does not show any of the excesses, like sourness or too much acidity, that can sometimes characterize Barbera when made in less capable hands.- ML

From 60- to 70-year-old vines, this is intensely perfumed, with spicy aromas and a juicy, saline mouthful of black and red berries. Concentrated yet fresh, it plays to the variety's drinkability. Twelve months in Slavonian oak casks.