Barbaresco Montersino 2019, Albino Rocca, Italy

The wine comes from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Montersino cru in the hills of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio, a hamlet of Alba that is close to Treiso, and has full southern exposure with a higher altitude than Barbaresco. The soil is calcareous clay with the presence of sandy layers and sandstone, which the winemakers say brings out the truly elegant characteristics of Nebbiolo. The wine is matured in old German and Austrian casks.

While the Brits go mad for Barolo, the Italians know that Barbaresco is the true queen of Piedmont... maybe because they tend to be a little softer, a teeny bit fruitier. They still need a bit of time to come round, so do decant this for an hour if drinking know (we have, and it is very lovely). You could lay it down for a few years, too.