Elio Grasso
Vigna Martina Barbera d'Alba
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Popped and poured; consumed over a few hours. The 2016 Barbera "Vigna Martina" is deep, dark ruby with an almost impenetrable core. More than ample in the fruit department with all the dark berries. However, it's got enough of the non-fruits: the inorganic earth, purple flowers, some herbs and spices, to leave one in no doubt of its origin. This is certainly one of the more polished versions of Barbera. As for longevity, even at 6 years post vintage, this seemed fairly primary. That being said and based off my experiences with Barbera in this category, I expect the secondary characteristics of leather to begin emerging in the next couple of years. Tasty now and should continue to reward through 2030.
Popped and poured; consumed over a few hours. The 2016 Barbera "Vigna Martina" is deep, dark ruby with an almost impenetrable core. More than ample in the fruit department with all the dark berries. However, it's got enough of the non-fruits: the inorganic earth, purple flowers, some herbs and spices, to leave one in no doubt of its origin. This is certainly one of the more polished versions of Barbera. As for longevity, even at 6 years post vintage, this seemed fairly primary. That being said and based off my experiences with Barbera in this category, I expect the secondary characteristics of leather to begin emerging in the next couple of years. Tasty now and should continue to reward through 2030.
Oct 16th, 2023Favorite Barbera d’Alba ever. Everything in place with acid in balance. Purple and black fruit.
Favorite Barbera d’Alba ever. Everything in place with acid in balance. Purple and black fruit.
Jun 12th, 2022Berries. Acidity completely tamed. Soft
Berries. Acidity completely tamed. Soft
Apr 21st, 2022
Big ripe red cherries, some underripe blackcherry, spicy, tomato leaf, savory notes , great acid..long finish..delicious. Paired with chicken parmigiana... great producer...bought this from the beautiful estate in monforte...
Big ripe red cherries, some underripe blackcherry, spicy, tomato leaf, savory notes , great acid..long finish..delicious. Paired with chicken parmigiana... great producer...bought this from the beautiful estate in monforte...
Apr 10th, 2020
So juicy and easy to drink. Great pairing with my salsiccia and broccoli pizza.
So juicy and easy to drink. Great pairing with my salsiccia and broccoli pizza.
1 person found it helpfulApr 21st, 2017
Herbaceous after a little time to open up.
Herbaceous after a little time to open up.
1 person found it helpfulOct 13th, 2016Seems to have lost its freshness perhaps an off bottle or poor bottling conditions: typically this is a wine I would love
Seems to have lost its freshness perhaps an off bottle or poor bottling conditions: typically this is a wine I would love
1 person found it helpfulMar 20th, 2015Hands down one of the best barberas I've ever had.
Hands down one of the best barberas I've ever had.
Feb 8th, 2017
Black cherry, herbaceous and leather. Not lengthy but freshness from the light acidity. Pleasant drink
Black cherry, herbaceous and leather. Not lengthy but freshness from the light acidity. Pleasant drink
Jul 13th, 2015