Source: July 2020 Week 3, The Wine Advocate, The Wine Advocate; Issue Date: 23rd Jul 2020, (RP-94)

The 2017 Barbera d’Asti La Crena opens to all the sunshine, exuberance, and richness that come with wines from this hot vintage. Barbera is one of the few grapes in Italy’s repertoire of indigenous varieties that welcomes the scorching summer heat (“bring it on,” it beckons). It maintains its acidity and tart berry profile despite the soaring temperatures. This is more evident with fruit from the Asti area. This wine offers textual weight all backed by tangy freshness. La Crena is partially made with fruit from old vines, planted some 90 years ago. Exactly 13,250 bottles and 175 magnums were released.
Drink Date: 2020 – 2032

Source: jamessuckling.com. Issue Date: Thursday, November 7, 2019 (JS-93)

This is a very impressive nose indeed for a Barbera, dripping in smoke, dried lavender, licorice, elderberries and herbal liqueur. Despite the exuberant initial impression, the palate is polished and suave, casting a web of neatly arranged tannins amidst plush dark fruit. Drink from 2023.

Source: Winemaker,

Grapes: 100% Barbera

Winemaking: The grapes are selected from vineyards in Agliano Terme, one of which is also used for our single-vineyard La Crena, and several other villages in the hills around Asti. Average density is 4500 plants per hectare. The process starts with a cold maceration in stainless steels, then the must is fermented for approximately 2 weeks, with daily pumping overs. After this, the wine macerates for another week, then it is racked and it is moved to oak for malolactic.

Ageing: Barriques, big oak barrels and steel tanks for approximately 18 months

Description: Ruby purple color with ripe red cherry aromas with hints sweet spices. A dry, medium-bodied red wine with refreshing acidity, the Barbera d?Asti Tre Vigne is well balanced with good integration of oak, good complexity and a long finish of red cherries.

Food Pairings: Antipasti, rich salads, grilled seasoned vegetables, hearty soups, pasta, pork, chicken with light sauces.