27 May 2024
With a legacy of three generations in winemaking, Cascina Chicco embodies the meticulous craftsmanship and stylistic precision that define the exceptional wines of Roero and Langhe. Established in the 1950s by Ernesto Faccenda, the winery is now managed by brothers Enrico and Marco Faccenda. Their unwavering dedication to the land and its flagship grape, Nebbiolo, continues to drive their success.
Their latest creation, the Barbaresco DOCG Noce Grande, released for the first time in its 2020 vintage and crafted from hand-selected Nebbiolo grapes grown in southeast-facing vineyards at the heart of the appellation, highlights their ongoing commitment to experimenting with Piemonte's premier varietal.
The vintage
2020 was an excellent vintage, ideal for producing Barbaresco wines with remarkable longevity. The season began with a mild winter and a sun-filled spring, followed by timely rains in May and June, ensuring adequate moisture for the vineyards. The moderately warm summer spared the grapes from water stress, allowing the Nebbiolo to ripen beautifully, achieving a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Bottling-wise, 3,961,865 bottles proudly bear the Barbaresco label this year, reflecting the region's consistent productivity and the quality of the harvest.
The wine
Following a 40-day maceration period on the skins, which extracts maximum color and tannins, Noce Grande is aged for 24 months in large oak barrels. An additional six months of bottle aging ensures the perfect balance between aromatic intensity and smoothness.
The Barbaresco Noce Grande, with its deep ruby red color, offers a complex bouquet featuring notes of marasca cherry, violet, and delicate sweet spices, complemented by refreshing menthol hints. On the palate, it is smooth and silky, rich yet balanced, with spicy undertones of black pepper and licorice leading to a persistent, soft, mentholated finish.
Ideal for pairing with stewed meats, red meat dishes, and game – staples of local cuisine – Noce Grande’s complexity and structure also make it an excellent wine for contemplation. It has the potential to evolve and surprise over time, paying tribute to the nobility of Nebbiolo and the Faccenda family's enduring commitment to excellence.
