Vietti strikes again

[Scoop]

If you are a Barbera fan, then you should check out the Vietti 1998 Tre Vigne ($13.99 retail -- and a bargain), a great, albeit very different follow-up to the voluptuous 1997.

The 1998 is leaner and more focused than the 1997, sporting a pronounced black cherry/rasberry nose with some herbal undertones (anise, thyme?) and a hint of tar. On the palate, it's dry with medium-high (but balanced acidity), nice medium, soft tannins, medium alcohol and body and a fruit character similar to the nose (along with the tar and herbs). The finish is long, replete with a nice black cherry tang. Quality wine-making here, very drinkable now but certainly worthy of some age.

We paired it with a sun-dried tomato and kalamata olive risotto, garnished with fresh thyme. A match made in heaven!!

Cheers,

Scoop