2018 | Vigneti Massa Barbera "Monleale" | Piedmont | Italy

Walter Massa's benchmark Barbera — the man who saved Timorasso, working his home turf in Colli Tortonesi.

Walter Massa is one of Piedmont's cult figures, the vigneron who single-handedly revived the Timorasso grape and put the Colli Tortonesi on the map. "Monleale" is his benchmark Barbera, named for his home village — 100% Barbera from a cool, late-ripening site, given real élevage to make a serious, age-worthy red rather than a simple quaffer.

Barbera from a legend-status grower, in its serious top-cuvée form, is a connoisseur's steal. Bold yet refined, with depth and savory complexity → wines from Piedmont's famous names cost far more → at $46.99 you're drinking one of the region's defining growers.

• 100% Barbera
• Colli Tortonesi, Piedmont — the "Monleale" bottling
• Walter Massa — the grower who revived Timorasso
• Cool, late-ripening 2018; low-intervention farming

Black cherry, crushed violets and sweet tobacco over dark plum, licorice and earthy spice, framed by fresh acidity. Translation: a rich, layered Barbera with savory grip and real cut — built for the table and a few years in the cellar.

A benchmark bottling from one of Piedmont's most important growers, at an everyday price. Exactly the red to convert anyone who thinks Barbera is simple.