2021 Ca' d'Gal Barbera d'Asti

Sandro Boido’s Barbera is drawn from half a hectare of 50-year-old vines in Cassinasco, about ten klicks from the winery in San Stefano Belbo. The vines sit on a south-facing hillside with limestone-rich soils, gifting bright and lip-smacking blue fruits alongside a smoky savouriness, while the low yields bring a juicy mouthfeel. In terms of the winemaking, the grapes are entirely destemmed and spend 15 days on skins before coming together in inox tank for 12 months to keep the flavours bright. Of course, the domaine is known for its white wines, each of which sits as a benchmark in its appellation, yet, where there is smoke… This is a terrific Barbera with purity and energy to burn. With 2021’s refreshing acidity and plucky tannins folding around a core of creamy blueberry and plum fruit, it will make an excellent accompaniment for salami, Agnolotti del Plin and, if you are feeling big-time, the classic Piemontese dish of Bollito Misto.