Ca' Viola Brichet Barbera d'Alba 2012 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a delicious offering from Azienda Agricola Ca' Viola, from Piedmont, Italy that is part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on June 25th.

The interesting story of Ca' Viola begins begins in the 1980s, when Beppe Caviola borrowed a tractor from his longtime buddy, Maurizio Anselmo, to tend to a vineyard that he was renting in Montelupo. Beppe then began vinifying the grapes in his parents' garage. And in 1991, Elio Altare, who was a star in the Barolo world, tasted the wine and encouraged Beppe to bottle it. The Dolcetto was the first wine to use the Caviola label.

Along with the Dolcetto that was released in 1991 was the Bric du Luv Barbera d'Alba. The Brichet Barbera d'Alba wine that is reviewed below is the "younger sister" of the Bric du Luv. Today, the entire line of Ca' Viola wines now stands at 6 wines.

The grapes for this wine come from the Montelupo vineyard that has calcareous marl and clay soil, at an elevation of 400 metres above sea level. It was aged for 15 months in mainly big barrels and used barriques, and a further 6 months in bottle prior to release.

Since this red wine is listed as a Flagship Store Exclusive, it will be available only in limited quantities beginning this Saturday in the VINTAGES section at select LCBOs across the province.

Tasting Note:

CA’ VIOLA BRICHET BARBERA D’ALBA 2012 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#452813) (XD) - $36.95
100% Barbera. Black plum and dark berry aromas from the cork. Aromas of wild flower, cinnamon, wet earth, sweet spice, sage, clove and red cherry waft from the glass with terrific complexity. The mouthfeel is soft on the medium-bodied palate with supple, fine-grained tannins. Delicious raspberry, floral and oak spice flavours. Well-balanced with racy acids and very good length on the finish. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 91 pts