2020 Barbera d'Asti La Crena

There is more richness in the profile of the 2020 Barbera D'Alba La Crena, with mocha, black plum, and macerated flowers. Full-bodied but not weighted down, with notes of turned earth, boysenberry preserve, and black tea and a silky mouthfeel, this would be an outstanding wine to showcase for lovers of New World wines. 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'Asti La Crena is soft and voluptuous from the outset. In this vintage, La Crena is especially forward and fruit-driven. The 2020 will need at least a few years for the classic La Crena aromas and flavors to emerge fully. Hints of gravel, crushed rocks and dried herbs linger, hinting at what is to come. La Crena usually blossoms with time in bottle. I won't at all be surprised if that happens here as well.