2008 Poderi Aldo Conterno Conca Tre Pile Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont

Full red-ruby. Bright, pure aromas of black cherry, licorice and violet. At once bright and supple, with sweet dark berry flavours nicely framed by harmonious acids. Finishes saline, pliant and long, with fine-grained tannins and a late whiplash of licorice. Very nicely balanced barbera.

90 points  Stephen Tanzer vinous.com

The 2008 vintage was cooler and more restrained than the bold 2007 or 2009 vintages, and critics praised it for its freshness, balance, and ageing potential. While not always as showy in its youth, it's wines like this that reward patience—and the Conca Tre Pile has aged into a quietly complex and immensely satisfying wine.

Antonio Galloni (then at The Wine Advocate) noted the elegance of the 2008, praising its “vibrant acidity and refined structure,” and gave it 90 points, calling it “a graceful, polished Barbera with energy and aromatic depth.” He especially highlighted how it will “appeal to those who appreciate finesse over power.”

Decanter later included it in a retrospective of top-value aged Barberas, remarking on its “fine-grained tannins, dried cherry and truffle notes, and lifted finish,” calling it “a mature wine that still dances on the palate.”

Food Pairing Suggestions
With its matured savoury notes and acidity still alive and well, this 2008 is superb with classic northern Italian dishes—truffle risotto, tajarin with wild mushroom ragù, or vitello tonnato. It also complements aged cheeses like Castelmagno or Robiola perfectly, and is excellent alongside grilled lamb, duck breast with cherries, or slow-cooked veal osso buco. The wine's balance of brightness and umami layers make it ideal for earthy, autumnal fare.