Cascina Zerbetta - Piangalardo 2018

(Piemonte, Italy)

This estate's top bottling. A blend of Barbera with a little bit of Merlot grown on Terra Rossa, a heavy red clay soil that results in wines of a certain concentration and structure. Following fermentation the wine spends 18 months in old 500L barrels. Black cherries, plums, and tar along with spices and smoke, it features a great balance of structure and freshness to keep this full-bodied wine very drinkable. Will need 10-15mins of air upon opening and will keep improving over the course of a few days, if you can make it last. 

Made by Paolo Malfatti, a Piemonte native who planted his vines on previously unused land in Monferrato in the late 90's. In this picturesque corner of Italy's Northwest, vines grow alongside organic hazelnuts and wild plants.