Cascina Morassino

Piemonte

Barbaresco

As you drive from Alba through the heart of the Barbaresco Commune, Roberto Bianco’s house rises into view on the left as the Strada Bernino narrows up into the Ovello hills. On the right-hand side of the road, and up the slope, are Roberto’s Ovello vines, and, on the left, below the house, are plantings destined for his Langhe Nebbiolo. This is a family operation, small enough (3.5 hectares) to not require external help – except for picking, of course.

Cut into the slope of the hill under the neat two-storey house is Roberto’s cantina. Although modest in size, it is about as immaculate as you’ll find anywhere. There are some smaller barrels here, but only to manage any surplus from filling the large traditional casks. Roberto’s education at the famed Alba school of oenology (Scuola Enologica di Alba) has equipped him with all the tools of a modern winemaker, but it has not led him away from tradition.

Roberto makes a little Dolcetto, a Langhe Nebbiolo of Barbaresco quality, a Barbaresco normale and an 'Ovello’ Barbaresco of distinct gravitas. All of Roberto’s wines are exemplars of the respectful balance of modernity and tradition that characterises the best producers of the Langhe. They are intense and pure fruited, but unmarked by winemaking artefact or trend.