Barbera d'Alba Superiore, Gigi Bianco - 2019

Barbera is often overshadowed by Nebbiolo, Piedmont's marquee grape, and yet its wines have been a source of pleasure time and time again. It makes high-acid, low-tannin wines, which means they don't need a decade to become approachable (although some age beautifully) and are incredibly versatile at the table. In the hands of a top-quality producer like Gigi Bianco, you see just how fantastic Barbera can be. Based in Barbaresco, this small family winery has been in business since 1870 and is now run by Susanna Bianco and her husband Salvatore, who take a natural approach to winemaking (organic/natural yeast). Their Barbera shows enticing red fruit and leather aromas and it's bright, fresh, and juicy with notes of red fruit (sour cherry, red currant), and earthy plums. It's a star in its own right.