2020 Cascina Morassino Barbaresco Morassino Piedmont

Cascina Morassino is a tiny family estate in Barbaresco — just 3.5 hectares — founded in 1984 by Mauro Bianco after the division of the family's larger holdings. The Sobrino family has managed these vineyards for four generations, making them one of the region's oldest Barbaresco producers. Led today by Roberto and his young son, the estate remains anchored in tradition: indigenous yeast fermentation, extended maceration, and 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks.

The Morassino vineyard sits in the heart of the Barbaresco commune at 820 feet, on calcareous clay soils that give Nebbiolo its signature structure and perfume. This is a single-vineyard Barbaresco — the most prestigious expression of a specific piece of ground — built for the long haul. The 2020 is deep garnet with ruby reflections, full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and racy acidity holding everything in tension.

In the glass: ripe cherries and strawberries, roses, earthy undertones, hints of spice and dried herbs. The palate reveals red berries, pomegranate, sour cherry, star anise, and a touch of hazelnut. The finish is long and persistent, closing on that hazelnut note with lingering impressions of red fruit and spice. This combines depth, elegance, and complexity — approachable now, but built to reward patience.

Traditional Barbaresco from old-family fruit, made the way it's supposed to be made. Cellar it a decade or pull the cork tonight with braised short ribs or truffle risotto — it'll hold either move.