2023 La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Ca di Pian DOCG, Piedmont

The 2023 Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian is soft, supple and delicious. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and chocolate gives the 2023 tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. This is an especially fine edition of La Spinetta's entry-level Barbera. Best of all, this is a terrific value. (AG)

90 points Vinous

The Rivetti family transformed La Spinetta from a small Moscato producer into one of Piedmont's most celebrated estates, with Giorgio Rivetti's relentless pursuit of quality helping redefine modern Italian wine. While the winery is famed for its Barbaresco and Barolo, the family has always held a special affection for Barbera, producing some of the variety's most compelling expressions.

Ca di Pian comes from vineyards around Castagnole Lanze in the heart of Barbera country, where limestone rich soils and warm days allow the variety to achieve full ripeness while retaining its signature freshness. The wine takes its name from the family's original farmhouse and remains one of the estate's most beloved and consistently impressive releases.

The colour is a deep ruby purple with vibrant youthful hues. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and plum leap from the glass alongside hints of violet, sweet spice and dark chocolate. The palate is generous and energetic, combining juicy dark fruits with bright acidity and silky tannins. Notes of liquorice and vanilla emerge with air, while the finish remains fresh, supple and wonderfully moreish.

A brilliant companion for slow cooked beef ragù, wood fired pizza with fennel salami, mushroom pappardelle or grilled eggplant with tomato and basil. Delicious in its youth yet capable of rewarding medium term cellaring over the next six to eight years.