The 2016 Barbera d'Alba La opens to an inky dark appearance with thick aromas of blackberry syrup, cassis and dark spice. The wine is smooth and velvety in terms of mouthfeel with loosely knit texture and soft tannins. Try it with meatloaf and a dark, wine-based mushroom sauce. The fantasy name "La" refers to the Barbera grape, which is feminine. Some 10,000 bottles were made.