The Land

Cantina del Pino Langhe Nebbiolo 2024 is grown in the communes of Barbaresco and Neive, from estate parcels clustered around the Ovello hill. These vineyards sit between 250–290 meters with predominantly east and west exposures, allowing Nebbiolo to ripen steadily while preserving aromatic precision. The soils are classic for this corner of Barbaresco: calcareous marl with sandy veins and high calcium content, a combination that consistently delivers structure, lift, and a mineral edge rather than sheer power. Vines average around 40 years old, with some reaching 70, providing depth without sacrificing freshness. Each year, younger vine selections and specific parcels are designated for Langhe Nebbiolo, giving the wine energy and approachability.

The Wine

This is 100% Nebbiolo, fully destemmed and fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures. Maceration runs approximately seven days, a shorter maceration designed to extract color, aromatics, and fine tannin without building the more formidable structure of their Barbaresco bottlings. The wine is aged for eight months entirely in stainless steel, with no oak influence. The result is a transparent expression of Nebbiolo: bright cherry and raspberry tones, rose petal and subtle spice, with lively acidity. The tannins are present but polished, framing the wine but not dominating. It’s pure, direct, and precise: Nebbiolo made with immediate enjoyment in mind.

The People

Cantina del Pino “winery of the pine” is one of the historic estates of Barbaresco, farmed by the Vacca family since the 1920s, when Giuseppe Vacca purchased the property from his friend, the agronomist Domizio Cavazza. A pine tree planted on the birth of Cavazza’s son still marks the highest point of Ovello and gave the estate its name. After decades supplying fruit to the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative, Renato Vacca launched the independent Cantina del Pino label in 1997 to pursue a more personal vision. Today Renato and Franca Vacca run the estate with a small local team, farming their vineyards with meticulous attention to soil health and long-term sustainability. Their approach blends generational knowledge with contemporary agricultural research, always prioritizing vineyard work over cellar manipulation.

Food pairing

Grilled pork chop with rosemary, roasted shallots, and a splash of aged balsamic.

The pork is rich but not too heavy, with the Nebbiolo adds a fresh lift to this meal. Slow-roasted shallots bring a gentle sweetness that mirrors the cherry fruit flavors in the wine, rosemary adds an herbal lift and a touch of aged balsamic adds depth without tipping the dish into sweetness. Structured, savory, and perfectly aligned with this Langhe Nebbiolo’s elegance. Recipe on blog.