Ca del Baio 2021 Barbaresco ‘Asili’ Piemonte

Capturing the finesse and elegance of the vineyard Asili, the Ca del Baio ’21 Barbaresco has a bright, polished expression on the outset evolving into a rich mouthfeel of wild berries, charcoal and some fleshy tones of rhubarb. Hovering just above a medium body, give this a little time in the decanter and another gear is revealed.

The Grasso family has been growing grapes in Treiso, Barbaresco since the 1920’s. They are one of the most down-to-earth families with a generous spirit, notable qualities for expanding the reach of Barbaresco. I first visited in 2016 and learned a lot from them. They produce classical Barbaresco from their charming Vallegranda home, working tiny plots on Grand Cru vineyards as Asili and Pora, as well as their estate vines in Vallegranda. The Grasso’s are heavily uninvolved in the “green” movement, a philosophy dedicated to preserving biodiversity in their little corner of the Langhe. They are what I call ‘enlightened traditionalists’ using native yeast fermentations and cask aging in a technologically modern facility.

WINEMAKER: Giulio & Luciano with children Paola, Valentina, & Federica

VARIETAL: 100% Nebbiolo

APPELLATION: Barbaresco proper, Barbaresco

REGION: Langhe, Piemonte

IN THE VINEYARD: Sustainable with organic methodology

IN THE WINERY: 30 day maceration in steel, native yeasts, 24 months in mix of cask and small barrel

ABV%: 14.5

SERVE: Open, pour 2oz immediately and smell, decant for 1 hour, back in the bottle, enjoy over the course of 2 days if possible, in the fridge for 3.