Paolo Scavino Barbera D'Alba Affinato in Carati 2013

The Barbera Grape Barbera is a red Italian wine grape variety that, as of 2000, was the third most-planted red grape variety in Italy (after Sangiovese and Montepulciano). It produces good yields and is known for deep color, low tannins and high levels of acid. Century-old vines still exist in many regional vineyards and allow for the production of long-aging, robust red wines with intense fruit and enhanced tannic content. When young, the wines offer a very intense aroma of fresh red and black berries. In the lightest versions notes of cherries, raspberries and blueberries and with notes of blackberry and black cherries in wines made of more ripe grapes. Many producers employ the use of toasted (seared over a fire) oak barrels, which provides for increased complexity, aging potential, and hints of vanilla notes. The lightest versions are generally known for flavors and aromas of fresh fruit and dried fruits, and are not recommended for cellaring. Wines with better balance between acid and fruit, often with the addition of oak and having a high alcohol content are more capable of cellaring; these wines often result from reduced-yield viticulturally methods.

Paolo Scavino Barbera D'Alba Affinato in Carati 2013   The 2013 Barbera d'Alba Affinata in Carati has really shut down post-bottling, but that is not entirely surprising given the personality of the vintage. The interplay of intense, almost unctuous dark fruit and fresher notes from the long season results in a very complete Barbera that should be terrific once it starts to open up. It will be interesting to see if the 2013 regains some of the explosiveness it showed as a barrel sample, or if it develops into a more understated wine.. 91+ Points Vinous