Cascina Fiorenza Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2019
Medium to full-bodied dry red. This style of Langhe Nebbiolo is often referred to as a 'Baby Barolo' for its varietal purity and accessible structure. · Azienda Agricola Cascina Fiorenza di Cavadore Sergio. A boutique, family-run estate located in Canale (Piemonte). Known for meticulous care in the vineyards and producing high-quality wines that reflect the traditional character of the Roero and Langhe hills.
Vintage: 2019. An exceptional and classic vintage for Piedmont. A long growing season with a late harvest resulted in wines with great structure, balance, and aromatic complexity, outperforming the warmer 2017 and 2018 vintages.
Type
Medium to full-bodied dry red. This style of Langhe Nebbiolo is often referred to as a 'Baby Barolo' for its varietal purity and accessible structure.
Producer
Azienda Agricola Cascina Fiorenza di Cavadore Sergio. A boutique, family-run estate located in Canale (Piemonte). Known for meticulous care in the vineyards and producing high-quality wines that reflect the traditional character of the Roero and Langhe hills.
Country
Italy. A global powerhouse of viticulture with a complex classification system (DOC/DOCG). Piedmont specifically is considered the 'Burgundy of Italy' due to its emphasis on terroir and the noble Nebbiolo grape.
Vintage
2019. An exceptional and classic vintage for Piedmont. A long growing season with a late harvest resulted in wines with great structure, balance, and aromatic complexity, outperforming the warmer 2017 and 2018 vintages.
Region & Appellation
Langhe DOC, Piedmont. This appellation allows producers in the prestigious Langhe region (home to Barolo and Barbaresco) greater flexibility in winemaking while maintaining high standards of quality associated with these historic hills.
Grape Varieties
100% Nebbiolo. Known for its 'Tar and Roses' aromatic profile, high tannins, and high acidity. It is one of the world's most terroir-sensitive grapes, thriving in the calcareous-clay soils of the Langhe.
Color & Appearance
Pale to medium ruby with garnet reflections at the rim. Clear and bright with moderate viscosity; the relatively light color belies the wine's powerful tannic structure.
Aroma Profile
Intense and complex. Primary aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild rose petals. Secondary notes of spice and anise. Developing tertiary hints of leather, forest floor, and dried herbs.
Tasting Notes
The palate is greeted with vivacious red fruit acidity followed by the firm, characteristic 'Nebbiolo grip' of fine-grained tannins. It is elegant yet muscular, leading to a long finish of dried cherry and earthy minerals.
Flavor Profile
Prominent sour cherry, pomegranate, and orange peel. Nuances of black tea, licorice, and a distinct mineral/stony finish. The flavors are savory and precise rather than syrupy or sweet.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a sophisticated, somewhat rustic texture. The mouthfeel is dry and cleansing, characterized by the interplay between high extract and sharp acidity.
Acidity & Tannins
High, racy acidity provides freshness and longevity. Tannins are high but well-integrated for a 2019, providing a sturdy architectural frame that will soften with further bottle age.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry. Residual sugar is minimal (typically <2g/L), emphasizing the savory and fruit-driven structural elements.
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV. This is typical for modern Nebbiolo, providing enough body to balance the high acidity and tannins without feeling overly hot or spirituous.
Aging & Oak
Aged in neutral vessels (often large Slavonian oak botti or stainless steel) to preserve the delicate floral aromatics of the Nebbiolo grape while softening the tannins through slow oxygenation.
Food Pairings
Ideal for fatty proteins and earthy flavors. Classic pairings include Tajarin pasta with butter and sage, truffle risotto, braised veal, or aged cheeses like Castelmagno or Pecorino.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F). Use a large-bowled Burgundy/Nebbiolo glass. Decanting for 30-60 minutes is highly recommended to allow the aromatics to open and the tannins to breathe.
Price Range
Approximately $20 - $30 USD. It represents excellent value as it provides the essential Nebbiolo experience at a fraction of the cost of Barolo.
Quality Assessment
90-92 point range. A high-quality, authentic expression of the Langhe region. It is a premium 'declassified' style that offers more complexity than typical entry-level reds.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested from estate vineyards. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel with extended maceration on the skins to extract flavor and tannin, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Terroir
Grown in the Canale area, characterized by sandy-clay soils and steep hillsides. The sub-continental climate with hot summers and cold winters allows for the slow ripening essential for Nebbiolo.
History & Heritage
Cascina Fiorenza is a small estate that prioritizes the heritage of the Roero/Langhe border. The winery follows traditional Piemontese philosophy, focusing on the purity of the variety over oak influence.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Nebbiolo' is derived from 'nebbia', the Italian word for fog, which often blankets the Piemontese hills during the grape's late-October harvest.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent for a Langhe DOC. While drinking beautifully now, it will continue to evolve and soften over the next 5-8 years. Peak maturity likely between 2024 and 2029.
Similar Wines
Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo, Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo, or Vietti 'Perbacco'. Also comparable to high-altitude Nerello Mascalese from Etna.