Wines Barbaresco Cascina Luisin - Asili Vecchie Viti - 2020

Cascina Luisin’s 2020 Barbaresco DOC “Cuvée Asili Vecchie Viti” is a distinguished, dry red wine produced in one of the Piedmont region’s most iconic crus. Crafted exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, this cuvée comes from old vines (“vecchie viti”) in the famed Asili vineyard, which is celebrated for yielding wines of remarkable elegance and complexity. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, allowing for optimal ripeness and refinement in tannins. The meticulous vinification, with a focus on gentle extraction and careful ageing—often in large, neutral oak—preserves the purity of fruit and the distinctive character of the site, resulting in a wine that combines depth, structure, and aromatic vibrancy.

The Barbaresco appellation is nested in the heart of Piedmont, a region acclaimed for its noble red wines. The hilly landscape, with marl and clay soils enriched by limestone, provides Nebbiolo with ideal conditions for slow ripening, promoting layered aromas and pronounced minerality. Piedmont’s continental climate, marked by warm summers and foggy autumns, further accentuates Nebbiolo’s signature complexity and longevity. Barbaresco, although geographically close to Barolo, tends to produce wines with slightly more accessible tannins and finesse, while maintaining impressive aging potential. The Asili cru, in particular, is highly regarded for its perfumed bouquet and harmonious structure.

For food pairings, this Barbaresco excels alongside classic Northern Italian dishes such as braised veal (vitello tonnato), tajarin pasta with truffle, or risotto al Barolo. The wine’s refined tannins and lively acidity make it an excellent match for roasted game birds, mushroom-based dishes, or aged cheeses like Castelmagno. Regional Piedmontese specialities—such as agnolotti del plin or brasato al Barbaresco—will particularly highlight its nuanced palate.

To enjoy this wine at its best, decant it for at least an hour to allow the complex aromatics to unfurl. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will accentuate the delicate floral and red fruit notes, while balancing structure and freshness on the palate. The 2020 “Cuvée Asili Vecchie Viti” can be appreciated now, though it will reward further cellaring for optimum expression.