For four generations Ca’ del Baio has been a family affair with the vineyards surrounding the Grasso family farmhouse being added to over time through marriage and acquisitions. Today the Ca’ del Baio estate takes in 25 hectares of vineyards in the villages of Barbaresco and Treiso, both of which are in the Barbaresco DOCG. Come by on Saturday and give them a try.
2016 Langhe Chardonnay, Luna d’Agosta $13
This fresh and fruity Chardonnay is harvested during the first weeks of September. It comes naturally with a mineral vein from the vineyards soil. The fragrance is delicately floral and fruity, with notes of citrus and exotic fruits. The flavor is dry, cool, and long, with a mineral finish.
2016 Dolcetto d’ Alba, Lodoli $14
Grown in vineyards in the Valgrande and Marcarini crus this “very Piedmontese” wine encapsulates the simple pleasures of everyday life. The aroma is intense and vinous, with delicate fruity overtones reminiscent of cherries, wild strawberries and blackberries; taste dry, with good balance and acidity.
2016 Langhe, Nebbiolo $15
From younger vines, the Lanhe neb is aged in stainless steel tanks for 4 months before bottling. The wine is fresh but still retains its Nebbiolo character with aromas of fragrant dried flowers, geraniums and slight fruity overtones reminiscent of raspberries. The taste is warm and soft with slightly tannic overtones.
2014 Barbaresco, Autinbej $29
Autinbej is made from the best and sunniest parts of their different crus. It is a tribute to Giulio Grasso’s late father, Ernesto, who often used the Piemontese word to describe the best vineyard exposures. The wine macerates on the skins from 9 to 15 days and then matures for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (boti). The nose is an intense, fruity aroma reminiscent of raspberries, jam, and violets that give an ethereal feeling accompanied by sweet spicy notes and hints of cocoa. In the mouth, Autinbej is warm, long, persistent and slightly tannic with an aftertaste of fruity notes.
2016 Moscato d’Asti, Particella 101 $15
Made from grapes grown on land registry plot number 101 located in Tre Stelle, the 101 has intense aromas with fruity hints of apricot and linden blossom, a sweet light taste with good acidity and a long, fresh finish.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.