A release of about 8,000 bottles, the Giuseppe Cortese 2017 Barbera d'Alba Morassina opens to dark intensity with black cherry and plum. The wine is soft and textured to the palate, with some pretty dustings of dried earth and light spice. That telltale blast of acidity, that is always part of the Barbera playlist, comes through loud and clear. This grape performs better than most in this hot vintage and is ready to be paired with a platter of local cheeses and cold cuts.