2018 Viberti Giovanni Barbera D’Alba La Gemella
The story of Viberti is one of family, history and service. For 90 years, wine has been a keystone for their Buon Padre Restaurant and Inn where first generation Cavalier Antonio Viberti made wine from regional grapes like Dolchetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo for the consumption of his restaurant and inn customers. Fast forward to 1955 and the wines of Viberti begin to see local distribution outside of Buon Padre and the bar is set higher by the duo of second generation Giovanni and Maria Viberti who dedicate their lives to building a family cellar while working the Buon Padre kitchen for 50 years. The wine, La Gemella is Italian for twin and is made in tribute to Maria by her sons, the third generation wine makers in GianLuca and Claudio.
In assessing the 2018 vintage, the freshness of the wine is evident with its medium plus body and inky purple hue. The bouquet has a freshness and vibrancy with notes of crushed walnut shell, blueberry, lightly toasted oak and whiff of rose. Palate wise, the acidity of fresh Barbera is showcased with red and black berries, licorice with lightly smoked mineral driven tannin that dry with those walnut notes. This is a textbook, old school expression of Piedmont Barbera that to some might be slightly austere is clean, fresh and ready for immediate enjoyment with a decant or a 5 to 10 year sleep in a cellar. Expect to pay about $30 for a bottle.
The Viberti Barbera D’Alba is available at Willow Park Wine and Spirits, Craft Cellars and Wine and Beyond - Sage Hill location in Calgary. It can be found at Kegs and More, Keg and Cork and 11 other locations in Edmonton.
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