Barbera d'Alba DOC Scarrone Vigna Vecchia 2022

The Scarrone Vigna Vecchia is a densely built Barbera from Castiglione Falletto, whose concentration comes from the naturally low yield of very old vines. Dark fruit, herbal spice and lively acidity are in balance; despite 15.0% ABV it stays taut rather than broad.

The grapes grow on the steep, terraced Scarrone site below the winery in Castiglione Falletto, a Barolo cru vineyard facing east-northeast. The soil is calcareous marl. The plot with the oldest vines was planted in 1918; the vines are trained in wire-framed guyot at a density of around 4,300 vines per hectare.

Pure Barbera, hand-harvested and gently destemmed. Two days of cold maceration in open stainless-steel fermenters, followed by around two weeks of alcoholic fermentation with regular pump-overs and punch-downs of the cap. Malolactic fermentation takes place in small oak barrels, and the wine is aged for around 18 months, mostly in French oak barriques of which about 25% are new, with a smaller portion in large oak casks. It is bottled without fining or filtration.

The nose opens with dark blackberry, black cherry, plum compote and dried fig. With air, rosemary, thyme, wild mint and juniper emerge, followed by violet and rose; the oak contributes subtle toasty notes, a touch of vanilla and black pepper. On the palate there is plenty of juicy fruit and fruit sweetness, carried by lively acidity. The tannin feels ripe while still showing its youth.

A wine for the classics of Italian cuisine: pasta al ragù, ossobuco alla milanese or grilled lamb chops with herbs.

Vietti has worked in Castiglione Falletto since 1873, and since 1974 its bottles have carried original artworks by artists. In 2025 the winery was named Azienda dell'Anno by Doctor Wine.