Although Barbera is grown all over Piedmont, accounting for more than fifty per cent of the region’s DOC wines, it is thought to be native to the Monferrato hills. Site and winemaking play a big role in determining the style, but Barbera from Asti generally tends to be a bigger, richer and more powerful wine that those of Alba.

Barbera Stravisan is lively and juicy and made without oak. Barbera Bricco Fubine Il Vino del Maestro, dedicated to Paolo’s great grandfather, is from half a hectare of the Fubine cru, planted on sandy calcareous soil and perfectly situated facing due south. Aged in Slavonian casks for eighteen months, this has ripe red berry fruit with spicy aromas and aniseed and the palate is rich with beautiful texture and length.