While Italy’s DOC laws are a useful guide for capturing terroir, ultimately the winemakers and growers often have a better grasp on what should be captured in a region’s bottle. With this spirit in mind, La Stoppa decided long ago to go with an IGT classification for all their wines. Their approach is more focused than its regional DOC’s permitted geographical bounds, and this decision ultimately produced transparent wines full of character like this ‘Trebbiolo’. The nose is led by Barbera with black raspberry, red table grapes, dried thyme and violets. Its lively acidity evolves into a fleshier, more Croatina-like, creamy texture with mild dusty tannins and a cheerful fruity-peppery finish. Meant to be consumed young, this is an unpretentious, cheerful wine with a Cru Beaujolais-like appeal.