The Rocca Barbera is drawn from three parcels. The first vineyard is the esteemed Ronchi Cru. Then, a parcel of vines planted in 2004 in the sandstone-rich soils of San Rocco Seno d'Elvio—just outside the Alba township, on the edge of the Barbaresco area. More recently, a parcel of 20-year-old Barbera from Castagnito, on the opposite side of the Tanaro River, has joined the party. This is A-Grade Barbera, so fine, and yet with fleshy plum, pastille and violet notes. There’s fine texture, while the varietal’s refreshing acidity zooms through the palate bringing delightful mid-palate crunch. It shows the cooler vintage at its best.