2022 Barbera d'Alba, Cascina Fontana, Piedmont, Italy

Barbera is planted extensively in Piedmont and south-west Lombardy and accounts for over 50% of the wine produced in the region. The majority is sold simply as Barbera del Piemonte, but the best wines are the DOCs, Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti. It ripens late (after Dolcetto but before Nebbiolo).

Barbera d'Alba is a red wine from Piedmont, Italy, made mainly from the Barbera grape. It's known for its vibrant red and black fruit flavours, refreshing acidity, and food-friendly nature. Versatile with Italian cuisine, it is a beloved choice in Piedmont despite being regularly overshadowed by Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Sixth-generation Mario Fontana is among Barolo’s best-loved producers. His wines are undeniably Burgundian in style; his combination of artisanal purity and finesse is as evident in his Dolcetto as his Barolo. Mario follows organic methods but doesn’t seek certification; his philosophy is individual, guided by genuine skills learnt from his father, and his father before him. While many can be blindsided by stoic traditions, Mario is free-minded. His wines are timeless examples of great Barolo, positively charged and yet cutting edge.