Trinchero Vigna del Noce, Barbera d'Asti DOCG, Italy 2016

A profound, old-school Barbera from the Trinchero family’s historic Vigna del Noce vineyard in Agliano Terme, Piedmont, planted in 1929. Now bottled under the Azienda Agricola T.E. name, this remarkable wine showcases the depth and longevity that traditional Barbera can achieve. Fermented spontaneously with an extended 40-day maceration and aged for years in large, old wooden casks, it delivers concentrated dark cherry and plum, layered with cocoa, warm spice, dried herbs and earthy complexity. Despite its richness, vibrant acidity keeps the palate energetic, while refined tannins and a long, savory finish reveal its age-worthy structure. A rare, traditionalist Barbera for collectors who appreciate mature Piedmontese wines with character, depth and a strong sense of place.

"The 2016 Barbera d'Asti Vigna del Noce, is a rich, strapping wine packed with blue/purplish fruit, game, licorice, lavender and spice. Time has concentrated the flavors beautifully in this old-school Barbera. The Vigna del Noce needs to be opened well in advance to allow some of the wilder notes to dissipate. Readers who enjoy Barbera with a bit of age will delight in the 2016. It's one of the better recent vintages I can remember tasting and also a terrific example of how nuanced these wines can be. I would prefer to drink the 2016 over the next handful of years, even though it has enough acidity to develop well for some time." Vinous 94