Fate or history decreed that the Bera property would finish a tantalizing 400 metres just outside the Barbaresco zone. Typically unperturbed, Walter Bera has gradually developed a collection of the Piemontese classics, with each beautifully made, rich and strongly expressive – and great value. His Moscato is regarded as one of the most consistent in Asti.

This opens with scents of dark berry, toast and a whiff of graphite. On the tense palate, notes of sage, aniseed and tobacco add depth to the core of raw red cherry while bracing tannins offer support.

Marinacci Barbaresco 2010 – Elegant and almost Burgundian in nature, this Barbaresco is a pleasure to taste. With layers of rose petal and sweet strawberry on the nose, and softening tannins on the palate, this wine offers the best characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape in one glass.