La Stoppa Macchiona 2009

A blend of 50% Barbera and 50% Bonarda, the Macchiona cuvée comes from vineyards planted between 20 and 40 years ago on the nutrient-poor clay soils of La Stoppa at altitudes of around 250m above sea-level. Deep, velvety looking ruby garnet colour with a little orange on the rim. The wines are unfiltered and unfined and there is a bit of ‘materia‘ in the glass. Luscious and ripe on the nose, kirsch, ink, warm earth, charred red pepper, some volatile acidity, but just enough to contribute complexity. Dry, sweetly fruited, savoury, zesty acidity. Soft, mellow mouthfeel, great freshness and length. Warmth on the finish, the only evidence of the 14.5% alcohol. So hard to carry these levels of alcohol without the wine feeling overblown, but this carries the alcohol perfectly. Open and expressive now, will continue to evolve over next 5-10 years.