Barbera d'Alba Aves, Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2021

The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Aves is a selection of the estate's best Barbera. A wine of gravitas and tension, the Aves is lights-out in 2021. There's plenty of the depth of past editions, but less overt concentration and oak imprint than in the past. In the last few years, Fabio Alessandria has dialed back some of the textural intensity in this wine in favor of greater freshness. The result is a striking Barbera that is also more in line with the rest of the wines in the range. 2022-2036

This wine represents a selection of fruit from the oldest vines. It is not labeled Superiore, but it could be technically, given its winemaking and release time. The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Aves shows layers of dark fruit, blackberry preserves and plum. It delivers high acidity with freshness that is balanced against concentrated fruit. As a result, this vintage feels especially crunchy in texture.