Made from the Barbera grape in Piedmonte, northwestern Italy, this is a wine showing deep garnet with a nose of purple Italian plum, black fruit, herb and star anise.

The palate is dry with softly ripe, velvety tannins, slightly high alcohol and intense flavours of Damson, liquorice and soy sauce with fig, brandied cherries and rosemary.  There is a salinity about it emphasizing its strong minerality.

With its medium finish but slightly high alcohol, this is a WSET Very Good wine.  The second day, it was even better than the first time around.  Don’t be afraid to have leftovers.

Purchased by Charlotte, it was a beautiful accompaniment to Winesnob’s dry ribs and porcini mushroom laced risotto.