Cascina Ebreo Torbido! 2006

Cascina Ebreo is a cult winery in Piedmont, Italy, known for producing unconventional and highly distinctive wines that challenge traditional winemaking norms. Torbido is a non-conformist Barolo made primarily from Nebbiolo, although it’s intentionally not classified as such due to the winery’s decision to forgo DOCG status and embrace more natural, low-intervention methods. The name "Torbido" translates to "cloudy," referring to its unfiltered nature, adding a rustic charm and depth to the wine. The 2006 vintage reflects both the power and elegance of a classic Nebbiolo, with the unique twist of Cascina Ebreo’s natural approach.

The winery is located in the heart of Barolo, where the Nebbiolo grapes benefit from the region’s calcareous marl soils and a long, slow ripening season. Torbido! is aged for several years in large oak casks, allowing the wine to develop complexity while retaining the grape’s signature tannins and acidity.

Appearance: Deep garnet with brickish hues at the rim, showing its maturity and unfiltered nature.

Aroma: Intense and evolving, with aromas of dried cherry, plum, and rose petals, mingled with earthy notes of truffle, tobacco, and leather. As it opens, more complex layers emerge, including dried herbs, liquorice, and a hint of tar, showcasing the Nebbiolo grape’s classic Barolo profile.

Taste: Full-bodied and structured, the palate is rich with flavours of dried red fruit—cherry, cranberry, and fig—balanced by savoury notes of leather, forest floor, and black tea. The tannins are firm and grippy, providing structure, while the wine’s bright acidity brings balance and freshness. There’s a lingering note of spice and dried flowers, adding to the complexity.

Finish: Long and complex, with a persistent finish that highlights the wine’s tannins, minerality, and evolving fruit and earthy characteristics. The finish is both savoury and slightly rustic, in keeping with the wine’s natural, unfiltered style.

Pairings: Spiced lamb ribs with burnt maple, parsley, and hazelnut crumb. The rich, gamey flavours of the lamb will match the wine’s bold tannins and earthy undertones, while the spice complements the wine’s dried fruit and floral notes.

Slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero and red wine jus. The savoury, fatty porchetta and herbaceous cavolo nero will harmonize with the wine’s structured tannins and deep, earthy character, while the red wine jus ties in the complexity of Torbido!’s aged profile.

Cascina Ebreo Torbido 2006 is a highly unique, unfiltered expression of Nebbiolo, offering a rustic yet complex drinking experience. It’s a wine for those who appreciate natural, low-intervention winemaking and are willing to embrace its depth, texture, and individuality. With over a decade of age, this wine is drinking beautifully now but could also be cellared further for even more complexity.