The 2021 Vietti Barbera d’Asti La Crena is a bold, polished red with serious pedigree. From vines planted in 1932, this single-vineyard Barbera brings impressive depth, juicy cherry and raspberry fruit, and savory layers of spice, mineral, and a hint of licorice. It’s fuller-bodied than their classic Barbera, with more oak structure and aging potential. The 18-month élevage in a mix of oak and steel adds polish without muting its vibrant acidity. Still young, but already drinking well with decanting—and built to evolve.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Jun 6, 2023
Drink: 2024-2032

Although best known for its Barolos, Vietti (now part of the US Krause Group) also releases a number of different Barberas. La Crena is from a 6ha site near the commune of Agliano Terme in the Nizza area. The vineyard, purchased in 1995, was planted in 1932. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel and the wine then spends 18 months in a combination of steel, large casks and barriques before bottling. Stephen Brook: Opulent nose, with dark fruits tempered with some stylish oak. Suave and juicy, fine texture, balanced by firm acidity, which gives some spice and flair to the finish. Vincenzo Arnese: Candied aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, very expressive. Bold palate with robust tannins; time will smooth it, yet quite rich and pleasant. Sara Bachiorri: Cherry and juniper berry nose. Nice concentration, with intense Maraschino flavours and a touch of liquorice stick.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 15.00%
Body: Medium
Grapes: 100% Barbera

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Apr 4, 2024
Drink: 2024-2035

The certified organic Vietti 2021 Barbera d'Asti La Crena shows a very good sense of balance with sweet and savory sides that transcend the bouquet. It starts off with redcurrant, a lightly floral note, rose hip and Amarena cherry. In fact, that sour cherry note continues to the palate, giving this wine a bright, red fruit quality that works with the darker side the Barbera grape. The vines for this wine were planted in 1932, with more planting to follow in 1935. Production is 18,305 bottles.

Vietti has access to Nebbiolo from 10 MGA sites to make the various wines in its ample portfolio. We also have a new wine to celebrate—the 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà—that knocks it out of the ballpark with its inaugural release.

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.