Oltretorrente Barbera Colli Tortonesi 2021

When thinking about the variety Barbera in northern Italy, it’s the much more famous towns of Asti and Alba that get all the attention, but this more southerly/eastern Piedmont appellation of the Colli Tortonesi is a hidden gem for wines made with this grape (along with neighboring region Monferrato). Vignaioli Chiara Penati and her husband Michele Conoscente’s version is full-throated, given that it hails from two very established Barbera plots planted in 1920 and 1960—this means structure and depth. Full-bodied, with some ruddy tannin, deep black and red fruit, and a meaty sort of sensation on the palate. If you like your Italian reds a touch rustic and with gusto, we recommend this dark beauty!