Nestled in the high-altitude hills of Treiso—one of the four prestigious communes of the Barbaresco appellation—Cascina Alberta is a brilliant example of Piedmontese revival. The estate is dedicated to organic viticulture and the meticulous restoration of its historic vineyards, prioritizing biodiversity and ecological balance. Treiso is renowned for having some of the highest elevations in the Barbaresco zone, which is the absolute key to understanding the sheer elegance of this wine.
The vines plunge their roots into classic Sant'Agata fossil marls, a pale mix of calcareous clay and sand. Because of the cooler microclimate and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, the Nebbiolo grown here eschews the heavy, brooding tannins often found in warmer parts of the Langhe. Instead, it leans fully into ethereal aromatics and nervous, high-toned energy.
This Langhe Nebbiolo serves as a pristine, unmasked snapshot of the Treiso terroir. In the glass, it shines with a translucent, classic garnet hue. The nose is incredibly lifted, offering a perfumed bouquet of crushed roses, wild strawberry, and a dusting of white pepper. On the palate, it is vibrant and vertical, wrapped in fine, chalky tannins with a bright, mouth-watering acidity. It is a sophisticated, terroir-transparent red that acts as a fantastic introduction to Barbaresco's terroir, pairing beautifully with a mushroom risotto or an elegant veal roast.
2024 Cascina Alberta Nebbiolo Langhe
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.