2016 Vietti Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia

Vietti traces its roots to the 19th century. It gets its name from Mario Vietti, who started bottling his wines on the estate in 1919, putting his name on the bottles. Vietti was sold in 2016 to Krause Holdings, an Iowa-based, family-owned corporation that owns convenience stores, transportation and real estate businesses. Luca Currado of the Vietti family will remain on as CEO of the 84-acre estate. Vietti has long been known as an estate that successfully mixes tradition with modern wine making. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, notes that the estate is “brilliantly managed” and the family brings out the best from “the marvelous vineyards.” Vietti offers numerous wines, from Barolo and Barbaresco to Barbera d’Alba and Moscato. The signature Barolos typically earn very high ratings and wide acclaim. Robert M. Parker Jr. noted that the 2007 Vietti Barolo Brunate is “a stunner…that captures the essence of one of Piedmont’s greatest sites.”

Barbera d’Alba is a DOC centered around the town of Alba, and it is considered home to some of the best wines made from the Barbera grape. Barbera is the most frequently planted grape in Piedmont, thanks to its adaptability and vigorous character. It is easier to grow and less susceptible to adverse weather than Nebbiolo, which is grown in neighboring appellations. Barbera in general has relatively low tannins but high acidity, and the wines tend to have flavors of ripe currant and cherry. The Barbera DOC was created in 1970 and the DOC wines must be 100% Barbera.

This red wine is from Piedmont. It is known for low tannins and high acidity, which makes it taste both light-bodied and rich. Barbera most often drinks early, but some variations can be cellared. The wine is relatively inexpensive and flexible for pairing.