The 2020 Vietti Barbera d’Asti La Crena shows the hallmark lift and brightness of Asti Barbera but with serious structure and depth. With fruit from nearly century-old vines, this vintage brings a mix of candied dark berries, chocolate, and spice, supported by fresh acidity and broad yet soft tannins. It's a bit more intense and toasty than the 2021, leaning slightly more into richness and oak integration. Drink now with decanting or cellar through the next decade to let its complexity evolve.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Jul 3, 2023

Notes of candied dark berries, chocolate, toasted spices and burnt orange peel. Full-bodied and intense with a toasty, chocolaty character. The succulent fruit is carried on a bed of broad but soft tannins. Lingering finish. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Aug 24, 2023
Drink: 2023-2035

Barbera from Asti is noticeably different from Barbera from Alba. You will recognize Asti for the brighter aromas, the tart fruit flavors and the freshness. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Asti La Crena makes this point with lifted aromas of sour cherry, unripe plum and pomegranate seed. The wine remains juicy and very fruit-forward, but the high tones are given more prominence here.

I tasted these wines with Luca Currado and Elena Penna at the Vietti winery just a short time before I would learn that they were leaving for good. The couple sold Vietti to American entrepreneur Kyle Krause in 2016. That historic sale would mark a milestone for the Barolo appellation that has appreciated in value almost exponentially since then, driving wine, grape and land prices through the roof. Luca and Elena stayed on these past years to ensure continuity in winemaking, but that handover phase finally came to an end this past winter. The couple was nice enough to call me and assure me that they were ready to leave and feel that Vietti is in very good hands. In fact, they leave an outstanding portfolio of wines, counting eight Barolos, including one new Barolo Riserva reviewed here. Elena Penna is now focused on making a popular Vermouth di Torino, and Luca Currado plants to continue in wine as a consultant. The couple still lives in their house above the winery. On a personal note, I will miss them dearly. Luca and Elena are some of my favorite people in Italian wine, and I look forward to their next moves. I send them my warmest regards.

Vietti.com

Designation: Barbera d'Asti D.O.C.G.
Grapes: 100% Barbera

Winemaking: The Crena vineyard is located near the village of Agliano Terme, in a south-facing exposure, with a total surface of about 6 hectares. The grapevines are planted, using the Guyot trellis system, at an average density of 4.800 plants.

The grapes were, after a short period of cold-maceration, fermented in stainless steel tanks for about two weeks. During this period a lot of mechanical punching downs, d?lestage and many open-air pumping overs have been executed. After this, the wine macerates for another week on its skins and is then racked to oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.

Aging: Barriques, big oak vats and steel tanks for approximately 18 months.

Description: Intense, deep ruby color. Pronounced concentrated aroma of ripe raspberry and red cherry fruit, combined with spicy and mineral notes and a touch of vanilla and toast. Full bodied on the palate, quite rich, with lush fruit that is well balanced with the acidity, good integration of oak and a long lingering aftertaste.

Food Pairings: Hearty stews, seasoned pasta and poultry with rich sauces, game, roasted red meats and hearty cheeses.