Powdered vanilla and white flowers float across the tongue, while zesty lemon curd coats the palate. A linear, mineral tone washes on mid-palate, with a vibrant, salty pear finish.

Few houses understand Barbera the way Pio Cesare does, and 140 years of practice shows clearly in this glass. Damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn and freshly turned earth set an assured and classic tone. The palate is generous, ripe blue and black fruits fresh and preserved, a live wire of acidity keeping everything honest. Barbera as it should be.

From the highest plots of Bricco di Treiso, Il Bricco has carried the clear voice of this vineyard since 1974, and a difficult vintage has done nothing to quiet it. Warmed cherry compote, crushed strawberries and dried herbs finely worked together offer a savory, uplifting complexity. The palate answers with generous baked plum and raspberry, tannins open and welcoming now but very much built to travel. Drink now to 2040.

Chilled citrus and white peach aromas mingle with orange blossom and lilac on the nose. The palate is pleasantly mineral-driven with flavors of crushed shell, grilled lemon and green Anjou pear. A whiff of dried hay on the finish brings everything together.

This is an absolutely gorgeous wine. Seductive aromas of brioche, green apple tart, pear compote and yogurt draw you into the complex and layered nose that is playfully dusted with white blossom. Rich and plush in texture the elegant elixir is replete with ripe and tart orchard fruit that combines restraint and splendor in perfectly-balanced harmony.