Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG
Grape: 100% Nebbiolo Rose (not rose, but a cousin of Nebbiolo with tiny yields, on the verge of extinction)
This is a VERY rare Barbaresco Rose delle Casasse Riserva of a little-known estate, Cascina Baricchi. The wine—which has only been made three times—is not only entirely from Nebbiolo Rosé, the vines are documented as being over 100 years old.
94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. Naturally, it will be interesting to see if some of that inner sweetness emerges in time. A few months separating two tastings suggest that may very well happen. This is such a gorgeous wine. Drink: 2024-2036. (Oct 2022)"
93 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose Delle Casasse is made entirely from the Rose clone of Nebbiolo and is fresh with wild raspberry, pine, and dark earth. Carrying to the palate with medium body and good concentration, it offers fine tannins and a good finish, with peppery spice and red cherry. Perfectly pairing with salumi and hard cheese, it is refreshing and cleanses the palate nicely. Drink: 2023-2040. (May 2023)"
From the importer:
Virtually hidden in Piemonte’s rich history is the story of a forgotten cousin of Nebbiolo, called Nebbiolo Rosé.
Though a component of many great Barolos and Barbarescos of the past, it suffered from tiny yields and relatively light color—hence the variety’s name. Yet, these deficiencies were more than made up for by the wines’ sensual texture and haunting perfume.
Sadly, Nebbiolo Rosé all but died out, replaced by Nebbiolo clones known for their productivity and deeper color. By the late 1970s, only a handful of producers still grew it, including two giants of the past.
One was Vietti’s Alfredo Currado—in the Briacca cru—and the other was Enrico Giovannini-Moresco, whose Barbaresco Podere del Pajoré was entirely planted to Nebbiolo Rosé. Sadly, neither wine was made after 1982.
There’s also the grower and winemaker, Natale Simonetta, whose great-grandfather was Angelo Gaja’s grandfather. But unlike the Gajas—who’ve been growers for 150+ years—Natale’s family bought their first vines in 1979, when they acquired the Cascina Baricchi estate.
At first, they only made wine to sell to local families and restaurants in demijohn. But that was enough to inspire Natale to attend France’s highly-regarded Montpelier wine school, followed by stages in Champagne and Burgundy. Those experiences—coupled with his genes—produced one of the most inquisitive yet traditional winemakers we’ve come across in the Langhe.
He takes full advantage of Casasse’s windswept exposure to farm his vines naturally. The cool aspect also increases the grape’s hangtime, allowing the development of greater complexity. This allows him to pick as much as three weeks after his neighbors, yet at lower sugar levels.
In the cellar, Natale crushes the grapes by foot for the most gentle extraction possible. He then ferments and macerates for a full forty days, using the ultra-traditional capello sommerso. That gives the wine its firm structure.
And to maximize the wine’s expressiveness, Natale gives it three years aging in 500 to 800-liter barrels, followed by bottling with a minimum of sulfur.
The result is an utterly beautiful Barbaresco that illuminates the delicacy for which Nebbiolo Rosé is known. It is remarkably expressive, showing even greater nuance when decanted.
Apart from Poderi Cogno’s Barolo Riserva “Vigna Elena,” the 2010 Rosé delle Casasse is the only contemporary Barolo or Barbaresco we know that is made purely from Nebbiolo Rosé.
And while the search goes on for other living examples of Nebbiolo Rosé, it is likely that none will outshine the Rose delle Casasse. This important wine should not be missed.
