Massolino, Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) 2020

 Massolino is a great house perched in one of the most enviable spots in the world of wine, with a truly grand view of most of the appellation of Barolo from high in the gorgeous little commune of Serralunga d’Alba.  They turn out marvelous single-side Barolo wines as well as an outstanding Barolo normale DOCG, but everything made at this address is excellent, and the Barbera 2020 merits this level of praise.  This hits just the right balance between the grape variety’s tart tendency and the ripeness needed to balance that out, resulting in a wine that is at once very refreshing but also substantial and satisfying.  Fruity but also savory, with low tannin and very well integrated oak, this is exemplary Barbera, fully ready to enjoy now but poised for at least another 5 years of enjoyment (and even improvement for the first of those years).