2020 Cascina Luisin Barbaresco Asili, Piedmont

The Cascina Luisin 2020 Barbaresco Asili has a ripe note of candied cherry or watermelon that lifts from the bouquet. There are tart fruit flavors on the close that tie directly into good acidity and firm tannins. This wine closes with a fine texture, and it shows simple, bright elegance.

92 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Cascina Luisin Barbaresco Asili is a stunning expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco’s most revered crus. Produced by Cascina Luisin, a family-owned estate with over a century of winemaking tradition in Piedmont, this wine captures the essence of the Asili vineyard—renowned for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential. This Barbaresco reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and deep respect for terroir that have become hallmarks of Cascina Luisin.

The Asili vineyard is situated on a south-southwest-facing slope with calcareous clay soils, which contribute to the wine’s fine structure and mineral-driven character. The vineyard’s exposure and soil composition allow Nebbiolo to develop exceptional aromatic complexity, vibrant acidity, and a harmonious balance of power and finesse.

Cascina Luisin employs traditional winemaking techniques to honor the heritage of Barbaresco. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, followed by extended maceration to extract color, flavor, and tannin. The wine is aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a classic method that enhances the wine’s elegance while preserving the purity of the fruit. Minimal intervention ensures the authentic expression of the vineyard and vintage.

In the glass, Cascina Luisin Barbaresco Asili reveals a garnet-red color with ruby highlights. The nose is captivating and complex, offering aromas of dried cherries, rose petals, and red currants, layered with hints of licorice, leather, tobacco, and a touch of earthy spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity supporting flavors of ripe red fruit, tar, and savory herbs. The finish is long, precise, and graceful, reflecting the pedigree of the Asili cru.

This Barbaresco is a superb pairing for traditional Piedmontese dishes such as risotto with truffles, braised meats, or wild game. It also complements aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno. While approachable with decanting, Cascina Luisin Barbaresco Asili has the structure to age gracefully for 15-20 years, developing even greater depth and complexity with time.