Bava Libera Barbera d’Asti 2019

The Bava family own a special plot (Pianoalto) in Cocconato, drawn on the steep slopes on the hillsides of Monferrato Astigiano in Piedmont. The Bavas has been here since 1600 growing grapes, with the last four generations working in the same wine cellar that was first built in 1911.

During that time, they’ve developed a reputation for making rock solid wines atop their hillside vineyard, wines that speak to the unique terroir of Monferrato Astigiano, and the sun-soaked vineyard that sits in the Nizza area.

Their ‘Libera’ Barbera d’Asti utilizes 100% fruit from the special Pianoalto di Crena Vineyard. It’s a silky smooth, zippy young-vine expression beaming with energy. I tried it around room temperature and it was absolutely humming, but I think this one would be the perfect red wine to enjoy slightly chilled too.