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SKU 820149
$38.54/bottle
Out of stock
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Moving to the reds, the 2016 Barbera D’Asti La Crena reveals a deeper ruby/purple hue as well as rocking notes of jammy blackberries, black cherries, leafy herbs, licorice, and sappy flowers. This beauty is medium to full-bodied, has wonderful purity of fruit, integrated acidity, and a great, great finish. It’s well worth seeking out.
For centuries now, the beautiful red grapes of the Barbera varietal have been grown in Italy, where they are prized for their unusual high acid content and low tannins, brought about by their thin skins. The Barbera grape varietal thrives in warmer climates, and has had some success overseas in the new world, where its strongly aromatic flavors of intense hedgerow fruits make it a favorite with wineries and wine drinkers looking for a grape which offers plenty of interesting characteristics. Interestingly, the differences between young and aged wines made from this varietal are quite significant, with younger bottles holding a plethora of berry flavors, including blueberry and raspberry notes, and oak aged wines made from the Barbera grape being much loved for their ability to become extremely complex and spicy, and picking up vanilla flavors from the wood they are barreled in.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Piedmont
Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.
Appellation
Asti
VM94pts
Vinous Media
The 2016 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is powerful but also linear, with all of the energy that is typical of the Barberas of Asti. La Crena needs a good bit of bottle age to be at its best, so readers should plan on being patient. Today, the 2016 is a tightly wound ball of energy. Time in the glass brings out hints of smoke, graphite, dried flowers, lavender and spice, all of which will blossom in a few years or more. The 2016 is a bit less bombastic than some other recent editions have been, and that is for the best. The 2016 is simply fabulous.
JD94pts
Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, the 2016 Barbera D'Asti La Crena reveals a deeper ruby/purple hue as well as rocking notes of jammy blackberries, black cherries, leafy herbs, licorice, and sappy flowers. This beauty is medium to full-bodied, has wonderful purity of fruit, integrated acidity, and a great, great finish. It's well worth seeking out.
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
This is a gorgeous wine, so creamy and rich. Luca Currado has hit the magic button here with the 2016 Barbera d'Asti La Crena. Beautifully ripe and succulent, and teeming with generous layers of bright fruit, this expression is opulent and complete. The vines used here in the so-called Vigna del Nove parcel are from the 1930s, with the first edition of La Crena produced by Vietti in 1996. This is a particularly elegant vintage, spreading vibrantly over the entire mouthfeel. I'd preserve the texture by serving it only with some light crackers and aromatic cheeses. Some 8,000 bottles were made.
JS93pts
James Suckling
A juicy and fruity barbera with blackberry and walnut character. Medium body, slightly firm tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now.
WS92pts
Wine Spectator
Intense and polished, this version is saturated with blackberry, plum and vanilla flavors, all matched to a dense, refined structure. A chocolate thread graces the aftertaste. Drink now through 2026. 1,000 cases made.
Winery Notes
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.
