Nebbiolo Superiore 'Sfacciato' La Caudrina 2023

“Sfacciato” from the La Caudrina winery is a label with an arrogant impact, proud of being different from the local typicity: it originates in the municipality of Nizza Monferrato, in that part of the province of Asti which is an area of absolute vocation for Barbera, but already winking at the more renowned neighboring Cuneo areas, where Nebbiolo is indeed at home. The “faccia di tolla”, as the subtitle on the label states, is a red of beautiful intensity and straightforwardness, biting like the blunt talk of those who deal with the land. The label is the work of the multifaceted artist of Casale origins, Alessandro Lupano.

The “Sfacciato” from the La Caudrina winery is a Nebbiolo Superiore that originates from the vineyards located in the area of the municipality of Nizza Monferrato, in a zone commonly referred to by the local toponym Bricco, an indication of altitude: the parcels are indeed positioned at about 250 meters above sea level, on soils characterized by a clayey-limestone mixture and slopes that reach 20 and even 30%. The surface is extended only for 1 hectare, with a south-southwest exposure, and was planted in the year 2004. The harvest is carried out manually at full ripeness and in the winery the grapes are pressed directly, then fermented in steel tanks with maceration on the skins that lasts for 10 days. Racking and resting on the fine lees precede, in the spring following the harvest, the transfer into small French oak barrels, where the Nebbiolo rests in aging for a period ranging from 12 to 14 months. The final refinement is expected in the bottle, for a duration of a few months.

The Nebbiolo Superiore “Lo Sfacciato” produced by La Caudrina presents itself with a beautiful intense ruby red color, streaked with violet hues tending towards garnet. The nose is soon struck by the intensity of the aromas: clear boisé notes accompany a complex spicy part, on the background of slight dark fruity and autumnal floral hints. The tasting confirms a decisive red, with a well-pronounced tannic structure and dry and