Wines Barbaresco Ca' del Baio - Barbaresco Asili - 2013

Viniou Reviews

Ca' del Baio's Barbaresco Asili 2013 is a striking expression of Nebbiolo, the noble grape at the heart of Piedmont’s greatest reds. This cuvée hails from the celebrated Asili cru, a vineyard renowned for yielding wines of finesse and impressive structure. The 2013 vintage was marked by a cool and consistent growing season, allowing for a slow maturation and the development of complex aromatics. Vinified traditionally, the wine aged in large Slavonian oak casks, which emphasises the grape’s purity and the terroir’s influence, rather than masking it with heavy oak character. In the glass, expect a medium garnet hue with subtle orange reflections—aromas of rose petals, sour cherry, dried herbs, truffle, and hints of tobacco unfurl with time, supported by a palate that balances ripe fruit with vivid acidity and elegant tannins.

Barbaresco’s home, the Langhe subregion in Piemonte, benefits from a convergence of Alpine breezes and Mediterranean warmth. The rolling hills around Asili are clay and calcareous marl, lending the wines both power and refinement. Historically, Barbaresco has sometimes stood in the shadow of neighbouring Barolo, but modern winemaking has revealed a distinctive character—Barbaresco is often slightly more approachable in youth yet can age beautifully for decades. The small size and varied microclimates of Asili make its wines highly prized among Nebbiolo enthusiasts.

With its intense aromas and formidable structure, this Barbaresco Asili 2013 is a wonderful match for rich, savoury meals. Traditional Piemontese dishes such as brasato al Barolo (slow-braised beef), tajarin with wild mushroom ragù, or mature cheeses like Castelmagno emphasise the wine’s depth. It also pairs beautifully with game, truffle-infused risottos or even roasted duck. The wine’s acidity and tannins cut through fat, making it equally at home beside lamb or veal dishes.

This Barbaresco should be served at 16-18°C. Decant for at least 1-2 hours to allow the wine’s aromatics to blossom fully. While drinking beautifully now, it has the ability to develop further complexity over the next decade if cellared correctly.