Ca' del Baio: Passion and Precision in Barbaresco

Ca' del Baio is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Langhe region, renowned for its Barbaresco wines. The Grasso family has been at the helm of the estate for four generations, beginning in 1870.

Today, Giulio Grasso and his wife Luciana lead the estate, ably supported by their daughters. Together, they oversee every aspect of the business, from vineyard cultivation to winemaking and sales.

The Ca' del Baio estate spans 31 hectares of vineyards across three villages: Barbaresco, Treiso, and Trezzo Tinella. Barbaresco and Treiso are both within the prestigious Barbaresco DOCG winegrowing zone, while Trezzo Tinella lies in the Alta Langa area. The vineyards benefit from the region's characteristic calcareous marl soils, producing deeply expressive wines that reflect the terroir.

Vineyards and Wines

The vineyards are meticulously tended, with a focus on sustainable farming practices. The estate produces a range of high-quality wines, including:

• Red Wines: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
• White Wines: Moscato, Chardonnay, Riesling

The most celebrated wines are the Barbaresco crus from the Asili and Pora vineyards in Barbaresco and the Vallegrande and Marcarini vineyards in Treiso.

• Asili: The Asili cru in Barbaresco spans 210 to 290m in elevation, with vineyards facing south to west. Nebbiolo is the dominant grape, alongside Barbera and Dolcetto. Ca' del Baio's 2.3 hectares on the southwest-facing slope produce Barbaresco Docg Asili and Barbaresco Docg Riserva Asili.
• Pora: Situated in Barbaresco, Pora is a medium-large vineyard with elevations between 170 and 270 meters. Renowned for producing Garagist Barbaresco, it is known for its high-quality grapes.
• Vallegrande: This traditional vineyard near Treiso is known for producing austere and deeply-flavored Barbaresco wines. It is characterized by its white, sandy soils and has been vinified separately since 1965.
• Marcarini: Located in Treiso, Marcarini is an east-facing vineyard with elevations between 280 and 385 meters. It is known for producing Barbaresco Autinbej, a wine with powerful and austere characteristics.
• Montersino: This is the highest vineyard on the property, situated near the "Canyon di Langa." Characterized by its white, sandy soils, it produces Barbaresco Autinbej, a wine with minerality and freshness.
• Ferrere: Located near Tre Stelle, Ferrere is a vineyard with west-facing slopes and white, calcareous, and sandy soils. It contributes to the production of Barbaresco Autinbej and is also where the estate's first Rhine Riesling vines were planted.
• Trestelle: This vineyard is located between Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso. Its transitional soils produce Nebbiolo with softer tannins and great freshness. It contributes to the production of Barbaresco Autinbej.

Production Philosophy

Ca' del Baio is committed to sustainable winemaking practices that prioritize the health of consumers and the environment. The winery uses native yeasts in fermentation, minimizes the use of sulfur dioxide, and avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic herbicides.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Organic Farming: In addition to their sustainable practices, Ca' del Baio is transitioning some of their vineyards to organic certification.
• Water Conservation: The winery has implemented various water conservation measures, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
• Biodiversity: Ca' del Baio promotes biodiversity on their estate by planting native plants and creating habitats for wildlife.

Winemaking Techniques:

• Amphorae: The winery occasionally uses amphorae for winemaking, a traditional method that can impart unique flavors and textures to the wine.
• Barrique Aging: Some of Ca' del Baio's wines are aged in small French oak barrels (barriques), which can add complexity and depth to the flavor.
• Extended Maceration: For their Barbaresco wines, Ca' del Baio uses extended maceration, a technique that involves leaving the grape skins in contact with the must for a longer period, resulting in more concentrated flavors and tannins.

Awards:

Ca' del Baio's wines have consistently received high ratings and awards from various wine critics and publications, including Gambero Rosso.

Conclusion

Ca' del Baio is a family-owned winery with a long history of producing exceptional wines in the Barbaresco region. The estate's commitment to sustainable practices, attention to detail, and passion for winemaking have earned it a reputation as one of the leading producers in the area.