Cascina Orizzonte Nera 2019

Cascina Orizzonte, a boutique winery in the heart of Piedmont, focuses on creating distinctive wines that express the essence of the region. Their 2019 NeRa is a bold and expressive red made from a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera, two of Piedmont's most iconic grape varieties. This wine embodies the contrast between Nebbiolo’s elegance and Barbera’s fruit-forward richness, creating a wine that is both structured and approachable. Cascina Orizzonte takes a thoughtful, minimal-intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the character of the grapes and the terroir to shine through in every bottle.

The vineyards are located in the rolling hills of Monferrato, where calcareous clay and sandy soils lend the wine a notable structure and minerality. The climate benefits from warm days and cool nights, which is ideal for ripening the Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes while preserving their acidity and aromatics. The 2019 vintage was particularly strong, with a long, sunny growing season that resulted in wines of great depth and complexity.

Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, clear and concentrated in the glass.

Aroma: Intense and layered, with aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, intertwined with hints of violets, dried roses, and a touch of spice such as black pepper and cinnamon.

Taste: Full-bodied and well-structured, with Nebbiolo's firm tannins providing backbone and Barbera contributing vibrant acidity and fruit. Flavours of black cherry, blackberry, and plum dominate, complemented by subtle earthy notes and a hint of leather and spice. There’s a touch of oak influence, adding a soft vanilla and toasty edge without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with persistent dark fruit and a refined tannic grip that leaves a smooth, slightly spicy aftertaste.

Food Pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb, where the richness of the meat balances the wine’s firm tannins and enhances its fruity and spicy notes. It also works wonderfully with truffle pasta, as the earthy undertones of the wine echo the deep, aromatic flavours of the truffles, making for a luxurious and harmonious pairing.