february 2025
CASCINA ALBERTA
Writing about the Barbaresco winery for the winter selection 2025 feels a little bit like giving away a secret spot: tucked away in Treiso, almost at the top of the Barbaresco DOCG appellation, Cascina Alberta has one of the best locations in the entire region. The property boasts 19 hectares of land, 10 of which are proudly kept wild, an absolute rarity in Langhe.
Francesco, or Frank, as friends like to call him, is from Torino and a first generation winemaker. He acquired the property in 2011, just before real estate and vineyard prices skyrocketed, converted all vineyards to organic and started a very serious, methodical process towards elegant, terroir-driven wines. Large cask, native yeasts and a natural disposition towards wines with a lot of energy and lift.
Our selection and three words from the winemaker:
- Barbaresco Giacone 2021: Gentle, slim, sexy. Drink 2026 - 2031
- Barbaresco Serragrilli 2021: Fighter, precise, big. Drink 2026 - 2031
- Barbaresco Giacone Marne Bianche 2020 : Tall, Fresh, long. Drink now - 2029
SAN BARNABA
It was a gorgeous day in Castiglione Falletto, sometime in May last year. I was on one of my regular visits to the 2 most important people in the village, Renza from the famous Terrazza and Dario from the wine shop right in front. Coffee, chats, the usual stroll around the village. Dario, ex-Major of Castiglione and still extremely connected with everyone in the Langhe, starts telling me about this new super project involving Francesco (Ciski) from Bruno Rocca winery and the Pasquero brothers, owners of the best vineyard-real estate company in the area: wine lovers, friends, big vineyard names, you name it. Potentially one of the biggest names for the future of Piemonte wines.
As Dario is telling the story, Roberto Pasquero walked in the shop, almost summoned by the tale. The excitement in Roberto is something I have rarely seen in people: we arrange a meeting for the next day, in their under construction, dusty old Cascina in Sorano, a fraction of Serralunga d’Alba village. Roberto later will disclose that I was one of the only two importers who had seen the house before the complete renovation. We taste the wines, they are spectacular. So alive, so interesting, so right up my alley. I decide to offer the California import right there on the spot, we shake hands.
The production is small and highly allocated, this is a real treat.
Our selection and three words from the winemaker:
- Pelaverga 2023: Enigmatic, sensual, magnetic. Drink now
- Nebbiolo 2023: Exuberant, explosive, incredible. Drink now - 2030
- Timorasso 2023: Rebel, honest, alternative. Drink now - 2030
TOMMASO CAPPA
“We are Agnese and Tommaso. “We are young people and constantly on the move, we are agitated and very passionate!”
Super young project from Dogliani, Tommaso and Agnese renovated an old house which belonged to Tommaso’s grandpa. This is probably the smallest production we’ve ever imported with a little over 1 hectare of total land, the cellar is literally 2 small rooms attached to the house, but there is time to grow and talent to make great wine.
Tommaso still works as an enologist at Ceretto winery, while Agnese, an architect by trade, takes care of the aesthetic vision and marketing.
“We try to take actions for the regeneration of places, territories, choices, and encounters” is a great line that sums up their idea of farming and making wine. They also understand the potential of experimentation for such a young project and are not afraid of trying. Definitely artisanal, definitely rustic, definitely fun.
Our selection and three words from the winemaker:
- Dogliani 2023: fresh, crisp, tasty. Drink now - 2028
- Langhe Nebbiolo 2023: elegant, deep, honest. Drink now - 2028
- Vino Rosso (Neretta grape) 2023: wild, spicy, different. Drink now
SERGIO MOLINO
If you’ve been drinking premium Barolo and Barbaresco you probably already have had Sergio’s wines, but you may have not read his name on the label. Sergio has worked as a consultant for the top cellars in the Langhe for the past 40 years and only recently started his E.Molino label with his 6 hectares of land (2.5 of vineyards, the rest is a mix of fruit trees and woods) in La Morra.
Sergio’s vineyards grow organically, with the lowest human intervention possible. No pesticides, no fertilizers, old vines and low yields. His rigorous philosophy creates unique artisanal wines in great vintages and challenges him in difficult years. Sergio is happy to acknowledge he did not bottle any wine in 2014 because of the heavy rain: he’d rather skip a vintage than use chemicals. A rare and very tough choice in today’s wine world.
We’re proud to share some Sergio’s gems with you.
Our selection and three words from the winemaker:
- Barolo Bricco Rocca 2020: Elegant, complex, stunning. Drink now - 2030
- Nebbiolo 2023: floral, fruity, refined. Drink now - 2028
- Pelorosso 2021: a prestigious Nebbiolo clone from the past. Unique, wild, expressive. Drink now

Red Bell Pepper Flan with Ricotta Cream
What you need:
- - 4 red bell peppers
- - 2 medium eggs
- - 7oz heavy cream
- - 1,5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- - 2 tbsp olive oil
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Butter or spray oil (for greasing the molds)
- - FOR THE RICOTTA CREAM -
- - 5 oz ricotta cheese
- - 3 oz ml milk (or more, if needed)
- - Extra virgin olive oil
- - Salt and pepper to taste
How it is done:
Prepare the peppers: Roast the red bell peppers on a grill, in the oven, or over an open flame until their skins are charred. Place them in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and cut the peppers into pieces.
Transfer the roasted peppers to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add the eggs, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and blend again until you achieve a smooth and uniform mixture.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease individual ramekins or a large flan mold with butter. Pour the mixture into the molds, leaving a little space at the top.
Place the molds in a deep baking tray and pour hot water into the tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the molds (bain-marie method). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the flans are set, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the ricotta cream: In a bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese with the milk and olive oil until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt, and pepper, adjusting the consistency with more milk if necessary. The cream should be smooth but not too runny.
How to serve:
Allow the flans to cool for 5 hours before gently unmolding them onto serving plates. Serve each flan with a generous dollop of ricotta cream on top or on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Polenta with White Ragù
What you need:
- - FOR THE POLENTA -
- - 4 cups water
- - 1 cup yellow cornmeal (coarse-ground)
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - FOR THE WITE RAGU -
- - 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- - 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- - 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- - 1 small onion, finely diced
- - ½ pound sausage (removed from casing)
- - ½ pound ground beef
- - ½ cup dry white wine
- - 3 cup bone broth
- - 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- - 1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How it is done:
Prepare the white ragù: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2/3 minutes. Add the sausage and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the bone broth. Add the rosemary and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Let the ragù simmer gently for about 5 to 10 hours (the more, the better), stirring occasionally, until it thickens firmly. Remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving.
Prepare the polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently with a spatula, for about 30–40 minutes, or until the polenta is thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
How to serve:
Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates or into shallow bowls. Top generously with the white ragù.

Meatballs with Pan Gravy
What you need:
- - FOR THE MEATBALLS -
- - 1 pound ground beef
- - ½ cup stale bread
- - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 2 tablespoons milk
- - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- - ½ teaspoon salt
- - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- - FOR THE PAN GRAVY -
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- - 1 cup beef stock (or chicken stock)
- - ½ cup pan drippings (if available, or additional stock)
- - Extra virgin olive oil
- - Salt and pepper to taste
How it is done:
Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, soak the stale bread in the milk for around 15–20 minutes, until melted and paste-like. Combine the ground beef, bread, Parmesan cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (do not overmix). Form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and set aside on a plate.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning frequently, until browned on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Make the pan gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown (this is the Roux).
Gradually add the beef stock and pan drippings (if using), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to serve:
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, turning to coat them evenly. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the meatballs hot, with gravy spooned generously over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Bunet with Zabaione Sauce
What you need:
- - FOR THE BUNET -
- - 2 cups whole cream
- - 3 large eggs
- - 2 large egg yolks
- - ½ cup sugar
- - 1 cup crushed amaretti cookies
- - 1 vanilla bean
- - Salt
- - Butter or spray oil (for greasing the molds)
- - FOR THE ZABAIONE SAUCE -
- - 4 large egg yolks
- - ¼ cup sugar
- - ½ cup Marsala wine (or sweet white wine)
How it is done:
Prepare the bunet mixture: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium saucepan, heat the milk with the vanilla bean over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Set aside to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and smooth. Add the crushed amaretti cookies with a pinch of salt, and whisk until combined. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and very liquid.
Pour the custard mixture over the caramel in the pan or ramekins previously greased. Place the pan/ramekins in a deep baking dish and pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides (bain-marie method). Bake for 50 minutes, or until the bunet is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the zabaione sauce: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually whisk in the Marsala wine. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk constantly for 8–10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
How to serve:
To unmold the bunet, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate. Spoon the zabaione sauce over the bunet and serve chilled or at room temperature.