Villa dei Ladri 2015

Hurry to taste this substantial yet elegant 'House of Thieves' northern Italian classic

With its supple texture, intense cherry fruit and rose petal aromas, Villa dei Ladri has all the hallmarks of a great Piedmontese red. Made by oenologist Claudio Manera at the Araldica cellars, it's a clever combination of Nebbiolo – the star of Barolo – and softer, cherry Barbera, the region's other great grape. A year in cask has allowed the two to integrate perfectly and added notes of cedar and tobacco. The name, meaning 'House of Thieves', harks back to the time when Langhe's valleys were roamed by bandits who could quickly disappear into the fog, or 'nebbia'. Fortunately the area is now better known for its premium wines. Claudio suggests serving the wine with local speciality stinco di vitello (braised veal), roast meats or cheese.