2021 La Miraja "Le Masche," Barbera d'Asti Superiore, Piedmont, Italy

Estate fruit from a high-density vineyard planted to Barbera in 1972. It's fantasy name, “Le Masche,” recalls local spirits believed to be protectors of the vineyard. The wine ages for a minimum of 12 months in neutral oak prior to bottling and release. Intense and fragrant. Dominated by red cherry, black plum, and blackberry against a backdrop of licorice and mature rose with a delicate balsamic undertone. This medium-bodied wine marries freshness and elegance, resulting in an uncommonly complex Barbera bottling with a gentle finish.