Pelassa Piemonte Oltre, 2014

"Oltre" means "more than," and this wine is more than Barbera, the workhorse grape of Piemonte. It is, in fact, 90% Barbera plus 10% Nebbiolo, the king of Piemonte grapes. The result is more noble than you might expect.

Deep, dark ruby; the color of Barbera rather than Nebbiolo, which often has an orangeish/garnet tone even in youth. The aroma, though, may be more Nebbiolo than Barbera: dark cherry, plums, minerals and vanilla. Power and concentration. On the palate, good Barbera acidity coupled with Nebbiolo tannic grip. Baked plums and spice. Drinks beautifully right now, but I would not hesitate keeping this for at least two or three more years. We are having it with pasta, but I would not hesitate serving it with a special meal.