The 2020 Langhe Rosso La Villa is a blend of 60% Barbera (from the Larigi Vineyard) and 40% Nebbiolo (from Arborina). Production is limited to just 1,200 bottles. Like the Giàrborina, this wine exudes a sense of generosity and accessibility that comes with warm-vintage fruit. That impression is amplified in this case, given the presence of Barbera, a grape that loves hot growing conditions and is naturally rich and fruity per se. This wine shows volume and intensity, making it a happy partner to a cheese-rich oven-baked pasta dish like lasagna. There is enough acidic freshness to cut through the fat in that dish.

A blend of 60% Barbera (from the Larigi vineyard) and 40% Nebbiolo (from Arborina), the Elio Altare 2019 Langhe Rosso La Villa reveals bright fruit over a medium body. The wine shows plum, cherry, roasted almond and grilled rosemary. It ages in new barrique for 18 months. This wine is elegantly streamlined on the finish. There was a tiny production of just 900 bottles.

The Elio Altare 2018 Langhe La Villa is a blend of Barbera from Larigi and Nebbiolo from Arborina. This is a dark and saturated red wine that boasts high intensity, dark fruit, plum, soft leather, spice and sweet tobacco. This is a wine of volume and generous layering that unfolds slowly over the palate with extra richness and texture.

The Elio Altare 2017 Langhe La Villa is a blend of 60% Barbera (from the Larigi vineyard) and 40% Nebbiolo from the family's historic Arborina cru. The wine is soft, supple and rich, driven in part by 18 months of aging in new oak. The dark fruit component sits squarely across barbecue spice, smoke and tar. The wine achieves good balance thanks to the acidic freshness of Barbera and the natural structure of Nebbiolo. I opened my sample hours prior to tasting, and the results sang loud and clear. Only 1,920 bottles were made.

Opulent and oaky, broad and concentrated, offering vanilla, spice and chocolate notes. Balanced and vibrant, with a long, fruit-, spice- and tar-filled aftertaste. Nebbiolo and Barbera. Drink now through 2028. 160 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Langhe Select to Add