Another special place for the noble Nebbiolo variety, Barbaresco is one of Italy’s most iconic wine regions. Thanks to a wonderful year and top-notch winemaking, this 2021 Barbaresco has the harmonious interplay of streamlined fruit profile, ethereal perfume, vinous power, and bracing mouthfeel that are hallmarks of the best here. With 2 years in traditional oak casks, this has developed wild & savory accents, along with woodsy dark spice, sweetly resinous balsam, and subtle coffee/cocoa notes to its core of violet-drenched, minty, ripe forest berries. While still very youthful and best with time in the decanter (try an hour or so), Barbarescos are more welcoming in youth than their typically broader-shouldered Barolo neighbors.
Cantina del Pino’s Ovello hill bottling comes from a site and family that are entwined with the origins of this place. One of the original members of the original Barbaresco cooperative, Giuseppe Vacca purchased these plots in the 1920s from the wine region’s de facto founder, Domizio Cavazza. It wasn’t until the late 90s that the Vacca family left the modern-day Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative to launch their own winery, naming it after the lone pine atop Ovello that Domizio had planted. Pair with flavorful meat dishes like ossobuco, savory wine sauces, white truffle and aged cheeses like gouda and parmigiano. Aged 2 years in large casks. Organic farming practices.
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS - "Earthy, meaty aromas and flavors lead off, with submerged notes of cherry and berry fruit. A dense matrix of tannins leaves a drying feel as this winds down on the white pepper–infused aftertaste. Still raw and unevolved, this is nonetheless long. 450 cases made, 180 cases imported."
"Alluring aromas of charcuterie, violet and ripe forest berry mingle with a potpourri of dark spice on the stunning 2021 Ovello from Cantina del Pino. Full-bodied and savory, the palate is bold but also boasts a weightless concentration that envelops raspberry preserve, mature Marasca cherry, vanilla and mocha. Velvety tannins provide support while fresh acidity lifts the finish. " - KERIN O'KEEFE
Cantina del Pino’s Ovello hill bottling comes from a site and family that are entwined with the origins of this place. One of the original members of the original Barbaresco cooperative, Giuseppe Vacca purchased these plots in the 1920s from the wine region’s de facto founder, Domizio Cavazza. It wasn’t until the late 90s that the Vacca family left the modern-day Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative to launch their own winery, naming it after the lone pine atop Ovello that Domizio had planted. Pair with flavorful meat dishes like ossobuco, savory wine sauces, white truffle and aged cheeses like gouda and parmigiano. Aged 2 years in large casks. Organic farming practices.
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS - "Earthy, meaty aromas and flavors lead off, with submerged notes of cherry and berry fruit. A dense matrix of tannins leaves a drying feel as this winds down on the white pepper–infused aftertaste. Still raw and unevolved, this is nonetheless long. 450 cases made, 180 cases imported."
"Alluring aromas of charcuterie, violet and ripe forest berry mingle with a potpourri of dark spice on the stunning 2021 Ovello from Cantina del Pino. Full-bodied and savory, the palate is bold but also boasts a weightless concentration that envelops raspberry preserve, mature Marasca cherry, vanilla and mocha. Velvety tannins provide support while fresh acidity lifts the finish. " - KERIN O'KEEFE
