The 2009 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Donna Elena is another gorgeous wine that does a fantastic job of playing up the vitality and the energy of the grape. There’s crisp acidity at the back, great for cutting though foods with butter or cheese, but there’s enough softness and firmness to smooth over any sharp edges. This is one of the nicest Barberas made today. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Cascina delle Rose is among the estates that most impressed me during this last visit to the Langhe. I found myself ordering, and reordering, the lower-end wines at the various trattorie I love in Alba. Various American Importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; La Famiglia Corona, Baton Rouge, LA; tel. (225) 650-9030; Cream Wine Company, Chicago, IL; tel. (321) 421-1900