Vietti Barbera d'Alba Scarrone 2022

This was a good year for Barbera, a grape that has a shorter growing season compared to Nebbiolo and that generally likes the heat. The Vietti 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone offers a deep, rich color, sweet tannins and bold fruit flavors from vines that were planted in 1989. Scarrone fruit always has a point of freshness because these vines are positioned on the east-facing slope, whereas the Vigna Vecchia occupy the south-facing part of the hill. The wine ages in oak for 16 months, with 10 months in barrique and six months in botti. In addition to 2022, other good Barbera vintages are 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2017.

The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone is a classy, elegant wine. Today's Scarrone marries finesse and power with notable style. Racy dark red plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice are all beautifully delineated. This deep, classy Barbera is lights out.

A nearly opaque purple color, the 2022 Barbera D'Alba Vigna Scarrone is spicy and warming on the nose in this vintage, with notes of black plum, peppercorn, dark stones, and lavender. The palate is full without being weighted, with a supple, ripe texture and good length on the finish All three Barbera were aged in stainless steel with 10% new oak for 16 months. This one is showing well now, and while it might not have the aging potential these wines can sometimes show, it should have the freshness to hold up over the next 6-8 years.

Tipping to the floral side in aromas and flavors, this red reveals black cherry, black currant and violet notes. Flashes of earth and oak spice add detail as this plays out on the lingering finish. Drink now through 20. 1,025 cases made, 250 cases imported.