While much of the Piemonte eagerly pushes the greatest wines to market as soon as they are in bottle, “Austri” is one of two cuvées from San Fereolo that offer a patient alternative. A study in terroir, cépage, and evolution, we were stunned by the beautiful consistency when we first tasted through a vertical of this wine. Generally 95% Barbera and 5% Nebbiolo, this ranks among the greatest expressions of Barbera we have experienced. Nicoletta treats the wine with a high degree of respect, allowing it to evolve through 3 years of élevage in large, neutral oak, followed by another 3 to 4 years in bottle.