2023 Bruno Rocca Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont

From hillside vineyards around Barbaresco, this Barbera captures the variety’s natural brightness and energy while carrying the polish that defines Bruno Rocca’s style. The estate is best known for its Nebbiolo, but the same care is applied here, farming limestone rich soils that give Barbera freshness, depth and a savoury mineral edge. The Langhe climate allows full ripeness without losing acidity, shaping a wine that feels generous yet sharply focused.

Winemaking is designed to highlight fruit purity and texture. Fermentation preserves Barbera’s vivid aromatics, while careful ageing adds structure without masking its natural vibrancy. The result is a wine that sits between exuberance and refinement, easy to drink yet clearly serious.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby with purple flashes. Aromas are open and inviting, revealing black cherry, plum and blueberry, followed by violet, spice and a subtle earthy note. There is a lively, lifted freshness that makes the bouquet immediately appealing.

The palate is medium bodied and juicy, with dark berry fruit wrapped in soft tannins and bright acidity. Flavours echo the nose, ripe cherry, blackberry and gentle spice, finishing clean and mouthwatering. The texture is supple and flowing, built for the table rather than contemplation.

It pairs effortlessly with pasta, pizza, grilled meats, charcuterie and tomato driven dishes. Drinking beautifully now for its vibrancy, it will hold comfortably for five to seven years, gaining savoury nuance without losing energy.

This is Barbera in its classic Piedmontese voice, bright, generous and food loving, elevated by Bruno Rocca’s precision.