A Niche Wine: the Barbaresco of Cascina Saria

BARBARESCO CASCINA SARIA ANNATA 2001

ALCOHOL CONTENT 14%

For about 15 years this wine has been produced from one of the historic vineyards of Cascina Saria, a vineyard planted about 40 years ago in one of the most interesting terroirs among the colline Langarole. The careful and meticulous work in the vineyard ensures that the number of treatments is kept to a minimum. Also for this wine we have a guyot training system with yields of about 70 quintals per hectare, which is for me an excellent starting point to then obtain organoleptic characteristics in the glass that are certainly of interest.
Certainly not a simple or predictable wine, this Barbaresco, a niche product with only 4,500 bottles produced.

Harvest usually takes place in the last ten days of September and, to ensure better quality, it is done by hand using small baskets to transport the grape clusters to the winery, so as to avoid spontaneous fermentations that could introduce faults in the wine. This is followed by fermentation at controlled temperature, and the completion of the final degrees of alcohol takes place directly in barriques — both first and second passage — where the wine will remain for a further 18 months. During this period the wine evolves until it reaches its full maturity, which allows it, after an additional 6 months in steel, to be ready for bottling.
A beautiful clear garnet color, it immediately strikes for its consistency and the intensity of its aromas, laden with ethereal and spicy notes (cocoa and liquorice above all) and ripe fruits (blackberries and plum jam).
On the palate it is dry, warm, and with a marked yet elegant tannicity that, when well paired (to be paired with tagliatelle al tartufo) can give great satisfaction. The finish is pleasant and decidedly persistent, slightly bitter with retro-nasal hints of walnut.
To appreciate it at its best, one must let it breathe well before drinking.
It is a wine that has already developed a distinctive personality, and its longevity assures me that it can be appreciated again with the passing of years.