Ca’ del Baio

The Grasso family has been farming their Cascina Vallegrande since 1870. After 4 generations, Ca del Baio is one of the most important wineries in Treiso, one of the 4 communes of the Barbaresco appellation. Historically part of the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative, their 1988 Asili Barba- resco is the first vintage to be bottled separate as a single vineyard. This is a stepping stone for the winery and the region’s winemaking philosophy. Ca’ del Baio wines are a work of art: Giulio, the father, was recently nominated viticulturist of the year by Gambero Rosso Guide. His knowledge on the nebbiolo grape is the result of decades of tradition and a lifetime of dedication.

Their Red Label is the perfect expression of what I call the feminine part of the nebbiolo grape: a fresh and easy-drinking wine with almost no tannins and lots of floral tones. Short maceration and stainless steel aging are the key. The two Barbaresco, Vallegrande and Asili, are different as night and day: Vallegrande is a vineyard in Treiso, famous for producing very elegant wines. The winemaking approach is traditional, the wine ages in big slavonian oak casks for 30 months and then 6 more months in bottle prior to release. The wine is a classic Barbaresco, with a lot of finesse and a good amount of structure. Asili, on the other hand, is all about power. One of the most famous Cru in the Langhe area, the vineyard in Barbaresco is very close to the Tanaro river on south-west exposure. The wine opens up with red cherry and very intense notes of black pepper and violets. The taste is rich, tannins and acidity are high. I would recommend cellaring this one for a couple of years, or drink it now if you are a fan of structured wines!

Thanks to Federica, Paola and Valentina for the great visit!