2020 Barbaresco Masseria

Coming from a cru that lies in close proximity to the Tanaro river and can ripen a bit earlier, the 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie offers an attractive and supple bouquet of dried strawberries, herbes de Provence, dusty earth, and fennel. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has fine tannins, an elegant feel, and a clean finish. It is already showing well and will have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 10-12 years. 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 last 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. Eugenio Palumbo, who has a long tenure with the winery in all operations, has assumed control as the winemaker of the estate today. 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.