Cascina Morassino Barbaresco Ovello 2022

Cascina Morassino is a small family winery in Barbaresco, in the Langhe of Piedmont, run by winemaker Roberto Bianco. This Barbaresco comes from Ovello, the northernmost cru of the village, whose vines sit at the highest altitude on calcareous clay soils. The elevation and the cool, marl-rich ground give a wide diurnal range that preserves acidity and aromatic detail, while the limestone-clay soils lend Nebbiolo its structure and perfume. Nebbiolo is high in both tannin and acidity, so the wine is aged eighteen months in foudres, large old oak casks whose slow oxygen exchange softens and integrates the firm tannins over time without adding wood flavour, keeping the fruit and the cru's character clear. Expect a pale garnet-edged ruby colour and the classic Nebbiolo nose of red cherry, wild berries and rose with dried herbs, tobacco, leather and a tar-like earthiness. The palate is full bodied and savoury, with high acidity, firm fine-grained tannins and a long, mineral finish reflecting the calcareous soils. Serve at around 18 degrees with an hour's decant, or cellar it further. It suits braised red meats, game and truffle dishes.