Wines Barbaresco Ca' del Baio - Barbaresco Asili - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Ca' del Baio's Barbaresco Asili 2021 is an exemplary red wine born from the Nebbiolo grape, celebrated for producing some of Italy's most refined and ageworthy reds. The Asili vineyard is a flagship cru in Barbaresco, recognised for its unique microclimate and exceptional exposure, resulting in wines of remarkable elegance and aromatic complexity. The 2021 vintage benefited from a perfectly balanced growing season, yielding grapes with impressive purity, vibrant acidity, and supple tannins. Winemaking at Ca' del Baio adheres to a traditional style, with fermentation followed by ageing in large oak casks, allowing the Nebbiolo character to shine—expect a wine with alluring notes of rose petals, wild berries, liquorice, and a subtle touch of spice and balsamic nuances.

The Barbaresco appellation sits in the heart of Piedmont, a region famed for rolling hills and a patchwork of vineyards. The soils in Asili are a mix of clay and calcareous marl, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the finesse and minerality of the wines. Piedmont itself is shaped by a continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps Nebbiolo maintain balanced sugar levels and vibrant acidity. The history of Barbaresco is integral to Italian wine culture, with its wines often compared to the neighbouring Barolo for their structure but distinguished by a more immediate approachability and delicate aromatics.

This Barbaresco pairs superbly with rich, hearty dishes. Traditional Piedmontese cuisine is an ideal match: try it with brasato al Barbaresco (beef braised in Barbaresco), agnolotti del plin (small meat-filled pasta), or a selection of mature cheeses like Castelmagno or Taleggio. The wine also enhances roasted game, wild mushroom risotto, or truffle-based dishes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Ca' del Baio Barbaresco Asili 2021 at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour is advisable to help the noble Nebbiolo open up, revealing its intricate bouquet and velvety texture. This wine promises pleasure in youth but will reward cellaring for at least a decade, evolving greater complexity over time.