MASSIMILIANO VIVALDA PRESS

Massimiliano Vivalda "AMISTA" Barbera d'Asti 2003
A serious contender with sophisticated notes of leather, barnyard and cedar wrapped up in toasty vanilla oak. A hint of char adds an edge to a streamlined palate infused with earth, mushroom and strawberry tones. A slight lack of persistence takes it out of the top flight. Fully mature, drink now. - W.E. (2/1/2010) - 89

Massimiliano Vivalda "'L Clumbe" Barbera d'Asti 2004
Light-bodied and juicy, this is an eminently quaffable Barbera, with loads of bing cherry fruit and a refreshingly fruity but short finish. The open-knit structure makes this easy to partner with flavorful fish. Drink now. - W.E. (2/1/2010) - 87

Massimiliano Vivalda "Vendemmia" Dolcetto d'Asti 2007
A modern, fruit-forward version with appealing blackberry and mulberry flavors that turn more sedate on the palate. While short, the finish shows enticing mixed berry fruit. A year in the cellar will soften the slightly drying tannins and integrate the pronounced acidity. - W.E. (2/1/2010) - 86

Massimiliano Vivalda "Nettare" Moscato d'Asti
Opens nicely, with peach pie and baked pear shot through with notes of Fernet Branca. Turns a bit earthy and slightly frothy in the mouth. The high level of sweetness and moderate acidity make this a good choice for pairing with dessert. Drink now. - W.E. (2/1/2010) - 83

"2006 Massimiliano Vivalda Barbera d'Asti
I purchased this little gem at, I believe, Pastoral, and it goes for around $12-$15 bottle, depending on the retailer. Barbera wines come from the Piedmont region, situated in the northwestern corner of Italy, and the "d'Asti" means from the town/area of Asti.

Barbera generally tends to be somewhat more fruit-forward than other Italian wines, but this had nice acidity, very minerally–almost carbonated, and had notes of thyme, black currant, and a hint of coffee. It's a great wine for the price, and while I generally find most Barbera to be drinkable, I found that the acidity, which was almost a bubbly minerality, set this wine apart from the rest of the wines in this class."

"The family-owned Massimiliano Vivalda estate in the Nizza Monferrato commune provides a perfect example. Their unpretentious, guileless 2007 Massimiliano Vivalda Barbera d'Asti, Italy (Specialty, 24775, $14.99) brings a smile to the face as it warms the heart with sheer pleasure."

"Massimiliano Vivalda's Barbera d'Asti offers light ruby color with delicate cherry and violet aromas. Fruity flavors bursting with ripe cherries and plums unfold on the palate. The lively vein of acidity supplies energy and verve, while soft tannins impart just enough structure to balance the dry, but fruity finish.

Try it with either Genoa salami and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or pasta with white cream and mushroom sauce. Highly recommended."

Light meets might
A casual barbera stands up to the strong flavors of salami

"2005 Massimiliano Vivalda Barbera d'Asti Vivalda
Notes of cherry and violet on the nose, this wine had plenty of cooked cherry flavor. The wine emphasized the salami's meatiness and spice while cutting down on the fat."