I tasted the Giacomo Conterno 2019 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Cerretta a week or so after the wine had been bottled. You are immediately made aware of the richness and concentration achieved in this growing season thanks to the wine's dark and velvety appearance. To the nose, this Barbera d'Alba imparts wild cherry, plum, spice, tarry smoke, dried mint and sweet apricot. Warm earthy notes frame that core of lively fruit. The Cerretta site in Serralunga d'Alba has more clay in the soils, which produces the extra power displayed by this wine. Ultimately, the 2019 will be remembered for its lasting textural impact.

By Monica Larner November 2021