2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone
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Part of the Scarrone Vineyard was replanted in 1989, and these younger vines give rise to the Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone. This wine is also thick and darkly concentrated but not to the same degree as the version made with fruit from old vines. Indeed, it's fun to try these two bottles side by side. Dark fruit, baked plum and sweet spice give extra dimension and volume to this wine.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2020 Barbera D'Alba Vigna Scarrone takes on a deeper, more layered character, with floral boysenberry, violet, and cedar. It has medium to full body, with a stony mouthfeel and notes of mocha, turned earth, and fresh black plum. A bit of delicate smokiness works nicely into its framework, and it has a long finish. Drink 2024-2034. Vietti was founded by Carlo Vietti in the late 1800s and is based in Castiglione Falletto. After marrying Luciana Vietti in the late 1950s, Alfredo Currado joined the operations of the winery and later was largely regarded as responsible for the resurrection of the Arneis grape. Until this year, the estate had been helmed by fifth generation winemaker Luca Currado Vietti and his wife Elena, who have been the longtime champions of their family’s winery. In 2016, the estate was purchased by Krause Holdings, which had enabled Luca and Elena to continue their roles while simultaneously supporting significant growth, gaining sought-after site acquisitions for production such as Monvigliero in Barolo. Though the winery is in solid control in terms of the winemaking, the recent departure of Luca and Elena is certain to leave a spiritual hole impossible to fill any time soon.
The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone is stellar. Rich and expansive, the 2020 is laced with the essence of dark cherry fruit, rose petal, cinnamon, leather and mocha are front and center. All the elements all come together so effortlessly. Floral and spice notes reappear on the finish. This is such a classy and polished Barbera.