The 2006 Langhe Virtus represents a 60-40 blend of Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon. The two varieties are vinified separately and blended toward the very end before bottling. This pretty wine shows a darkly saturated garnet appearance and reveals soft aromas of dried fruit, pressed rose petal, balsam herb and grilled rosemary twig. These two grapes counter each other very nicely. Barbera adds the freshness and the Cabernet Sauvignon gives both intensity and structure. This wine is also defined by the pretty tertiary tones of licorice and pencil shaving that appear on the bouquet.