The 2017 Barbera d'Alba Gallina is sleek, elegant and delicious. Black cherry, plum, licorice, spice and blackberry jam fill out the layers nicely. The 2017 is dark and voluptuous, but also shows a bit less heft than some recent years, a development that is quite positive, in my view, that will be more evident in more favorable vintages. Pretty floral accents round out the finish.

The 2017 Barbera d'Alba Gallina (with 7,000 bottles made) is darkly saturated and rich with an abundant display of black cherry, plum and blackberry. The wine shows broad shoulders but carries its fruit weight with considerable balance and poise. You could pair this wine with barbecued red meat or pulled pork.