Ca' Del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Bric Del Baio 2020 is a beautifully crafted Italian red wine, showcasing the elegance of 100% Nebbiolo grapes sourced from the renowned Langhe region. This vintage delivers a classic garnet hue with ruby reflections and an inviting bouquet of wild berries, raspberry jam, and dried flowers such as geranium. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of dryness, warmth, and soft tannins, underscored by earthy and fruity nuances reminiscent of Barbaresco. Produced in vineyards planted in 2001 on west-facing bluish clay-limestone marl soils, this wine epitomizes the estate's commitment to quality and terroir expression. Ideally paired with rich dishes like tagliolini with meat sauce, grilled meats, or medium-aged cheeses, it is both approachable now and capable of aging gracefully for up to a decade. With its refined character and remarkable versatility, this Nebbiolo is a testament to the timeless winemaking traditions of Piedmont.
Process & Profile
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Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
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Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
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Vineyard Features: Planted in 2001 on west-facing slopes with bluish clay-limestone marl soils, optimal for producing Nebbiolo of finesse and structure.
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Winemaking: Grapes are hand-harvested in early October. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks before malolactic fermentation and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels for 10–15 months. This method balances traditional and innovative practices, creating a harmonious and approachable wine.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Garnet red with ruby highlights, indicating its youth and vibrancy.
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Aroma: Delicate floral notes of dried flowers and geranium are complemented by fruity hints of wild berries and raspberry jam.
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Palate: Dry, warm, and well-balanced, with soft yet present tannins. Layers of raspberry, cherries, and a touch of earthiness round out the experience, leading to a structured and moderately tannic finish.
What Makes It Special
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Terroir-Driven Quality: Sourced from top parcels in Treiso and Barbaresco, the wine reflects the Langhe region's exceptional terroir, which balances acidity, tannins, and fruit complexity.
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A "Baby Barolo": Often referred to as a less aged, more approachable version of Barolo, this wine offers elegance without the wait, making it ideal for those new to Nebbiolo or seasoned enthusiasts seeking immediate enjoyment.
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Sustainability and Tradition: Produced by the Grasso family, who have blended innovation and tradition for over four generations, Ca' Del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo is a testament to their dedication to quality and sustainable practices.
How to Enjoy
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Pairings: This wine complements traditional Piedmontese dishes such as tagliolini pasta with meat sauce, veal tartare, or mushroom risotto. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, grilled meats, and roast lamb, making it a versatile choice for diverse menus.
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Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to bring out its complexity and balance.
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Aging Potential: While enjoyable now, it will develop further nuance over the next 5–10 years. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark space to preserve its character.
Ca' Del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Bric Del Baio 2020 is a perfect introduction to the world of Nebbiolo. Its harmony of fruit, tannins, and acidity captures the essence of Piedmontese winemaking, offering a sensory journey through one of Italy's iconic wine regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors and aromas of this wine?
The Ca' Del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Bric Del Baio 2020 features a garnet red color with ruby hues. It offers fragrant aromas of dried flowers, geranium, and light fruity notes reminiscent of raspberry. On the palate, it is dry, warm, soft, slightly tannic, and highly drinkable, with a flavor profile akin to Barbaresco wines.
What food pairs well with this wine?
This wine pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, including hard-aged cheeses, fresh cured meats, herb-roasted chicken, wild mushroom risotto, pasta with Italian meat sauce, lamb dishes, and even burgers. Traditional pairings like truffle risotto or lamb rag√π also complement its flavors beautifully.
Does this wine need to be decanted before serving?
The 2020 vintage of Ca' Del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo is noted for its approachability and balance, making it enjoyable without the need for decanting. However, aerating it slightly could enhance its flavors.
Where is this wine from and how is it produced?
This wine originates from the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy. It is produced at the Ca' Del Baio winery, which has been family-operated since 1929. The Nebbiolo grapes used for this wine were hand-harvested in early October from west-facing vineyards planted in chalky-clay loam soils. The winery emphasizes traditional winemaking techniques, creating wines that express the unique terroir of the region.
What makes Nebbiolo a distinctive grape variety?
Nebbiolo is known for its high acidity, firm tannins, and iconic garnet hues that fade with age. It produces highly expressive wines with aromas like cherry, rose, violets, leather, and licorice. Its tannins soften over time, allowing the wine to develop flavors of dried fruit, truffles, and earthiness. Nebbiolo thrives in the specific terroir of northern Italy's Piedmont region, including Langhe, where this wine is crafted.
What is the aging potential of this wine?
Langhe Nebbiolos, like the Bric Del Baio 2020, are crafted to be enjoyed younger compared to Barolo or Barbaresco. However, with proper cellaring, this wine can develop additional complexity over several years.
What is the alcohol content and does it contain sulfites?
The wine has an alcohol content of 14.5% and contains sulfites, as typical with most wines.
Is this wine suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Its approachable yet elegant profile, combined with its storied heritage and high-quality production, makes it a thoughtful and versatile gift for wine enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy Italian reds or Nebbiolo-based wines.