Barbera d'Alba

Barbera also used to be insanely popular. This is because it can be used to make powerful, silky wines that also have depth and definitely improve with a little bottle ageing. Only the yield needs to be reduced considerably to get to the point where Barbera starts to be fun. It's clear that the Altares have what it takes, but I'd like to say it loud and clear once again. It was Elio Altare, together with Giacomo Bologna, who made Barbera socially acceptable in the 1990s. Giacomo died far too early and over the years his heirs took his flagship wine in a new direction that I found unpleasant. Not so the Altares, they remained true to their principles and still make Barberas that you should know, such as the Larigi. However, as the week counts many more weekdays than Sundays, you also need a wine that can be enjoyed on weekdays and that could well be this wonderfully fresh, fruity, energetic Barbera. Try the little one from the big altar!