2023 Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba DOC, Piedmont

Purple fruit bursts from the glass like a summer berry pie cooling on the windowsill, with sweet spices and violet candies playing backup singers. This is classic Barbera doing its favorite dance move: zesty red fruits and flowery notes zip across the palate with that trademark lightning bolt of acidity keeping everything fresh and fun. — Jeff Porter

92 points wineenthusiast.com

From the rolling hills of Piedmont, Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba is a classic expression of one of Italy’s most food friendly varieties, crafted by a historic family estate founded in 1881. Pio Cesare has long been a benchmark producer in the region, known for combining tradition with precision, sourcing fruit from estate vineyards and long term growers across Alba. Barbera thrives here on calcareous clay soils, delivering vibrant acidity, generous fruit and a supple, approachable structure.

A deep ruby red with purple hues fills the glass. Aromas open with ripe cherry, plum and blackberry layered with violet, sweet spice and a gentle hint of vanilla from subtle oak ageing. There is an inviting warmth to the bouquet, balanced by freshness and lift.

The palate is medium bodied and lively, delivering juicy red and dark berry fruit framed by Barbera’s signature bright acidity and soft tannins. Notes of cranberry, spice and a touch of earth build through the mid palate, leading to a smooth, energetic finish that feels both vibrant and satisfying. Delicious in its youth for its fruit and freshness, it will continue to gain savoury complexity over five to eight years.

Pork and fennel ragù clinging to pappardelle, wood fired pizza with prosciutto and rocket, or a plate of eggplant parmigiana bubbling away at the centre of the table. A spin of Paolo Conte or something effortlessly cool from Mina, even a touch of Vivaldi slipping into the mix later, the wine bringing that unmistakable Piedmont warmth and rhythm to the night.