The Cascina Chicco 2017 Barbera d'Alba Bric Loira is a thick and impenetrable expression with an inky black color. This hot-vintage Barbera oozes forth with aromas of blackberry preserves and dried figs, following up with some spice and crushed stone on the finish. This wine does about one year in oak. Despite its weight and sheer fruit volume, Bric Loira avoids feeling overripe or heavy. Some 15,000 bottles were released, offering great value.