Wines

DeRose has a handful of ”old-vine” varieties on its Cienega Valley estate, but none is more exotic that a 10-acre planting of Negrette. These vines are even rare in their native land of France where records show only 100 acres cultivated in the Toulouse region on the Garonne River. Adding to the mystique, the variety was called “Pinot St. George” until the BATF changed its official name effective with the ’97 vintage.

Planted on their own roots in the 1880s, the old vines are dry farmed in gray clay-loam soils that contain large chunks of dolomite. This shimmering white mineral is mostly calcium, an essential element of good soil. Relatively young
in geologic time, these loose soils allow vines to extend deep and wide in search of water and nutrients. Yields average one ton per acre.

90 Points! A round and fresh garnacha blanca here with some subtle peaches, green apples and mineral characters. Fresh acidity brightens it up on the medium-bodied palate with a fruity finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Pure and focused, offering violet, cherry, raspberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Shaped by vibrant acidity, this red persists with a lingering, resonant aftertaste. - Wine Spectator

This Barbera matures in 50hl steel tanks for 9 months, reaching a perfect balance of deep red fruits, perfume and pinpoint acidity. A joy to drink. Fruit is sourced exclusively form Monforte d'Alba...

91 Points! The 2020 Barbera d'Asti Montebruna is a plump and rich red with ripe berry notes, toasted spice, cinnamon and grilled Mediterranean herb. Despite the heft and brawn of this wine, the mouthfeel is pushed along by fresh acidity and a powerful 15% alcohol content. This is perfect companion to a meal heavy in cheese or cream. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

91 Points! Aromas of cherry chocolate, dark licorice, hints of bark and moist earth. Full-bodied with velvety, supple tannin structure and some chalky texture in the finish. Juicy and flavorful. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

90 Points! Lovely peachy richness, light floral white blossom on the nose, white peach fruit, and gentle creamy oak, a fresh palate with a nice acid lift on finish. - Decanter Magazine

93 Points! Part of the Scarrone Vineyard was replanted in 1989, and these younger vines give rise to the Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone. This wine is also thick and darkly concentrated but not to the same degree as the version made with fruit from old vines. Indeed, it's fun to try these two bottles side by side. Dark fruit, baked plum and sweet spice give extra dimension and volume to this wine. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

From the importer:

• Suprem is a natural sparkling wine. Enjoy it while you experience one of the earliest forms of sparkling winemaking: the ancestral method.
• Most sparkling wines are produced by a second fermentation (such as champagne) or by the addition of carbon dioxide in a tank (such as prosecco).
• Suprem is unique as it’s a sparkling wine with minimum handling.
• The Garnacha is sourced from the province of Tarragona in Catalonia.

Varietal Composition: White Garnacha

Elaboration: The ancestral method consists of bottling the wine partway through its primary fermentation, trapping the CO2 in the bottle. When the desired level of CO2 is reached, the wine is chilled and disgorged, but no expedition liqueur (sugar) is added.

Tasting Notes: Straw-colored wine with generous bubbles. Wide range of aromas, including flowers, white and tropical fruits. Broad palate, certainly fresh and fruity, with a very long and pleasant aftertaste.

93 Points! The 2020 Barbera d’Alba Vigna Serraboella is bright, effusive and full of character. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal and pipe tobacco makes a strong first impression. Ripe, silky tannins add to the wine’s considerable appeal. The Serraboella is such a delicious wine. It spent 18 months in cask and neutral oak. - Antonio Galloni , Vinous Media

This is one of the most under the radar wines in all of Piedmont. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

A new submission from this historic estate, the Bovio 2021 Barbera d'Alba Il Ciotto is vinous and very primary with raw flavors of blackberry and ripe plum. The wine exhibits a thickened and darkened appearance with blackberry or black cherry confit. This thickly concentrated red has soft tannins and a dense, cushiony texture. Il Ciotto's overriding theme is fresh black fruit. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

91 Points! This shows notes of chocolate and hazelnuts with ripe wild berries and sweet spice undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a bitter chocolate character. Tense with a fruity finish. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com