Avamposti Altrove Nebbiolo 2023

Soft Nebbiolo rather than suit-of-armour Nebbiolo. Fresh, juicy red fruit is the point - plums, damsons and cherries with a dash of spice. It's made the classic way - a decent amount of skin contact and a bit of time in old oak to round off the edges, not weigh them down. Fragrant up front, a touch savoury in the middle, supple through the finish. Built for right now - flavour-packed and easy-going.

A youthful Nebbiolo like this is perfect for a midweek roast chicken supper, or perhaps a simple plate of sausages with mash.

Tenuta Il Cascinone dating back to 1920, is a now revived gem of Piedmont's Monferrato hills. Once a revered Barbera d'Asti specialist, the estate was in decline before being rescued by the highly respected Araldica group of wineries in 1999. They've breathed new life into its steep, demanding vineyards which are now flourishing and turning out reliably good wines which are great value for money.