Castello di Neive "Santo Stefano" Barbera d'Alba 2022

Vin Chicago: 90+ Points

(4/2026) This proves incredibly affordable access to the Santo Stefano vineyard of Barbaresco, a site noted since 1767 for its unique characteristics. These south-facing Barbera vines that span about 6 hectares are now 20+ years old and their yields are curtailed to make a concentrated but friendly rendition in the ripe 2022 vintage. Predominantly aged in two large 3.5hL barrels, this 800 case production contains Barbera's irrepressible charm. Full of dark rapsberries, cocoa, Mediterranean herb, chalk, grilled mushroom and sour cherries - its snappy acidity feels ripe and there's little tannin to supress its drinkability when tableside. Have alongside pasta, deep savory vegetarian courses and even red meats over the next four years. After a brief decant, there's a lot to love here for $20!