Vallegrande Riserva Barbaresco DOCG 2020 - Ca' Del Baio x 3

The Architecture and Expressiveness of Barbaresco Vallegrande Riserva DOCG

The Barbaresco Vallegrande Riserva DOCG marks a significant milestone in the production evolution of the Ca’ del Baio winery, which introduced this prestigious selection starting with the 2018 harvest. The 2020 vintage of this extraordinary red wine from Piedmont originates from long-lived vineyards located in the municipality of Treiso, arranged in a hilly amphitheater that directly surrounds the estate's facilities. The terroir stands out for its white limestone and sandy soils, a pedoclimatic matrix that imparts a distinct verticality to the wine, combined with a dense tannic texture and a deeply floral aromatic profile.

Cellar Details on Vinification and Aging

The production protocol involves the manual selection of grape clusters from the oldest rows of the Vallegrande Additional Geographic Mention (MGA). After crushing, fermentation of the must is managed at a controlled temperature in wooden or stainless steel vessels, relying exclusively on the action of indigenous yeasts. During the tumultuous fermentation phase, daily oxygenation cycles are carried out to optimize the stable extraction of phenolic compounds and color from the skins. The subsequent submerged-cap maceration is carefully timed through constant technical tastings. Once racking is complete, the aging process includes a prolonged stay in neutral oak barrels, followed by an adequate stabilization period in the bottle before commercial release.

Sensory Profile of Barbaresco Riserva Vallegrande

The combination of the western exposure and the sandy-limestone component of the Treiso soils outlines a sensory profile of great territorial precision.

• Grape Variety and Alcohol Content: 100% Nebbiolo / 15.00% ABV.
• Visual Examination: Clear, vivid, and brilliant garnet red color, reflecting a perfect and noble chromatic evolution.
• Olfactory Profile: Ample, deep, and multifaceted bouquet, characterized by distinct notes of blood orange and black cherries in alcohol, integrated with hints of bitter cocoa, wild blackberries, rhubarb, licorice root, and incense.
• Palate Characteristics: The tasting reveals a dry, austere, soft, and enveloping palate. The mid-palate shows a round profile, supported by dense yet beautifully polished tannins, with a vibrant freshness leading to a warm, dry, and incredibly long-lasting finish.

Service Guidelines and Food Pairings

The structural complexity and freshness of this Riserva pair perfectly with the most elaborate culinary preparations of traditional land-based cuisine:

• Food Pairings: It pairs magnificently with dishes based on roasted red meats, furred game, terrines, structured meat and vegetable soups, as well as traditional Piedmontese preparations such as braised meat (brasato), fondue with truffles, and aged hard cheeses.
• Service Method: To facilitate the development of the fascinating tertiary aromas and the optimal balance of tannins, it is recommended to uncork the bottle in advance and serve it at a serving temperature of 18°C in large, wide-bowled glasses.

Storage and Aging Potential

This great Piedmontese red wine already displays balance and elegance in its first years on the market, while possessing a cellar aging potential that easily extends over the next 10-15 years. To preserve the integrity of its organoleptic profile intact, the bottles should be stored horizontally in dark cellars, free from vibrations, and maintained at a constant temperature and humidity.