2024 Cascina Alberta Nebbiolo Langhe
Nestled in the high-altitude hills of Treiso—one of the four prestigious communes of the Barbaresco appellation—Cascina Alberta is a brilliant
Producer
Cascina Alberta
I have reviewed two wines from Cascina Alberta, from the 2021 to 2024 vintages, across Langhe and Barbaresco. All are Nebbiolo. Scores range from 94 to 95, averaging 95; the highest is the 2024 Cascina Alberta Nebbiolo Langhe (95 points).
Cascina Alberta is a small, five-hectare family estate in Treiso, the highest of the Barbaresco communes, and a fine example of Piedmontese revival. The project is built on organic farming, the recovery of old vines and the restoration of biodiversity. The vines grow on classic Sant’Agata fossil marls, a pale mix of calcareous clay and sand, and the cooler microclimate and wide day-night swings give Nebbiolo high acidity, lifted aromatics and fine tannins rather than brooding power.
The estate’s secret is that a significant share of its vineyards is planted to Nebbiolo Rosé, a rare, historic form of Nebbiolo known for paler colour and intense perfume. It shows in the “Giacone” Barbaresco, vinified in large casks: in 2021 it soars with crushed rose petals, wild strawberry, orange peel and white pepper, elegant and precise rather than powerful.
The Langhe Nebbiolo is a transparent snapshot of Treiso, translucent garnet, with roses, wild strawberry, white pepper and chalky tannins, and a fine introduction to Barbaresco’s terroir.
2021 Cascina Alberta “Giacone” Barbaresco
Every now and then you come across a wine that reminds you just how diverse and fascinating Piedmont can be,