Vietti Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone 2018

Vietti Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone 2018 is a single-vineyard 100% Barbera from Piedmont, Italy, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast, this expression represents one of Vietti's most compelling vineyard-designated Barbera bottlings, drawn from the oldest vines in the prized Scarrone site in Castiglione Falletto.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Castiglione Falletto, Barbera d'Alba D.O.C., Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Vietti

Production & Heritage

Vietti is one of Piedmont's most respected family estates, based in Castiglione Falletto in the heart of the Barolo zone. The Scarrone vineyard sits at a southeast exposure with a density of 4,300 plants per hectare, and only the oldest section of the vineyard contributes fruit to this bottling. Yields are kept deliberately low through severe green harvesting. The grapes undergo a pre-fermentation cold maceration, followed by roughly two weeks of alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with punch downs, délestage, and multiple pumpovers. After an extended post-fermentative maceration on the skins, the wine moves to barriques for malolactic fermentation, then ages for 18 months across a combination of large oak casks, barriques, and steel tanks — a regimen that preserves Barbera's natural acidity while layering structural depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced, concentrated aromas of ripe black cherry and blackberry, followed by waves of baking spice, mocha, and a distinctive hint of tar. There is a subtle floral lift that adds complexity to the dark fruit core.

Taste: On entry, the palate is succulent and juicy, led by black cherry and plum. The mid-palate broadens with licorice, leather, and dark spice, supported by rich yet refined tannins. Refreshing natural acidity — a hallmark of top Barbera — keeps everything in tension and prevents the full body from turning heavy.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with persistent notes of dark fruit, spice, and a savory mineral undertone. Fine-grained tannins provide structure without astringency, leaving a clean, balanced aftertaste.

How to Drink Vigna Scarrone

This is a wine that rewards careful attention — serve it at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass, allowing 30 minutes of air to let the aromatics fully unfold. It drinks beautifully on its own and does not need decanting beyond moderate breathing time. For a Negroni Sbagliato, its bold acidity and dark fruit make it a compelling sparkling-wine substitute in the build. In a classic Sangria Roja, the Scarrone's concentrated berry character and spice hold up well against citrus and brandy. It also pairs naturally in a simple red wine spritz, where its structure stands up to dilution while keeping the cocktail vibrant.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Italian wine enthusiast who appreciates single-vineyard Piedmontese bottlings
• Anchoring a Piedmontese dinner featuring braised meats or truffle-topped pastas
• Cellaring for medium-term aging — the 2018 vintage has the structure to develop over the next five to eight years
• Introducing experienced red wine drinkers to high-quality Barbera beyond everyday examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vigna Scarrone taste like? It delivers concentrated black cherry and plum fruit layered with mocha, licorice, leather, and a touch of tar, all balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, spice-driven finish. The overall impression is full-bodied yet remarkably fresh.

How does Vigna Scarrone compare to Vietti Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne? The Tre Vigne is Vietti's multi-vineyard Barbera d'Alba — approachable, fruit-forward, and intended for earlier drinking. The Vigna Scarrone is a single-vineyard selection from old vines with lower yields and longer oak aging, resulting in noticeably greater concentration, complexity, and aging potential.

Is Vigna Scarrone good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its layered aromatics, balanced tannins, and persistent finish make it an ideal wine to enjoy on its own. A slight chill to around 62°F and a few minutes of breathing time bring out its best qualities.

Where is Vigna Scarrone made? It is produced by Vietti at their estate in Castiglione Falletto, within the Barbera d'Alba D.O.C. in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Scarrone vineyard itself is a southeast-facing site in Castiglione Falletto, a commune better known for its Barolo production.

What foods pair well with Vigna Scarrone? Braised short ribs benefit from the wine's acidity cutting through rich fat. Tajarin pasta with butter and white truffle mirrors Piedmontese tradition beautifully. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano matches the wine's savory depth. Grilled lamb chops complement its spice and dark fruit. Wild mushroom risotto echoes the earthy, umami undertones in the finish.

What sizes does Vigna Scarrone come in? It is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Vigna Scarrone worth the price? This wine positions as a premium single-vineyard expression within the Barbera d'Alba category, sitting well above everyday Barbera but below the most expensive Barolo and Barbaresco bottlings. For the concentration, vineyard specificity, and 93-point critical recognition it delivers, it represents strong value among serious Piedmontese reds.

Why Vigna Scarrone?

What separates this bottling from the broader Barbera d'Alba field is the specificity of its source — old vines in one of Castiglione Falletto's best-exposed sites, harvested at severely reduced yields. The 2018 vintage in Piedmont delivered excellent ripeness with enough natural acidity to keep wines lively, and Vietti's meticulous vinification — cold maceration, extended skin contact, malolactic in barrique, and 18 months of mixed-vessel aging — extracts depth without masking varietal character. The result is a Barbera with the structure and complexity more commonly associated with Nebbiolo-based wines, yet retaining the bright, food-friendly acidity that makes the grape so distinctive. At 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, it stands among the top-rated Barbera d'Alba wines of its vintage.