The "Ghost Grape" of Barbaresco Returns
2017 Cascina Baricchi Rosé delle Casasse Barbaresco Riserva
We have to start with the warning: This is NOT a pink wine. If you pour this into a glass expecting a light summer rosé, you are in for a shock. You will find a structured, complex, and brooding Barbaresco Riserva. The name "Rosé delle Casasse" refers to the specific, historic clone of the grape: Nebbiolo Rosé. This rare biotype—genetically distinct from the standard Nebbiolo found in 99% of Barbaresco—was famous historically for its intense, spicy perfume. However, it was ripped out of most vi…
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The "Lost" Clone: This is a rare chance to taste 100% Nebbiolo Rosé. It offers a totally different aromatic profile than standard Barbaresco—more lifted, more spicy, and more floral (hence the name).
Riserva Pedigree: An incredibly serious, deeply characterized wine that has spent years aging into a state of expansive, charming elegance.
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Tasting notes
Aroma
An exotic, high-toned nose that leaps from the glass: dried rose petals, white pepper, sandalwood, wild strawberry jam, and a distinct note of blood orange peel.
Palate
Medium-bodied but intense. The 2017 vintage provides a core of sweet, ripe cherry fruit that fills out the palate, while the unique clone provides a "nervous" energy and spicy kick on the finish. The tannins are ripe and integrated, making it perfect for drinking tonight.
Rosé Wine Body Profile
Light
Bold
Body Profile
Structured
76/100 Intensity
Light
Bold
76.0/100
Feather-light
Zesty
Balanced
Structured
Powerful
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo
ABV
14.0%
Serving
59–63°F
Window
2025–2044
In Detail
The rare, historic Nebbiolo Rosé clone
We have to start with the warning: This is NOT a pink wine.
If you pour this into a glass expecting a light summer rosé, you are in for a shock. You will find a structured, complex, and brooding Barbaresco Riserva. The name "Rosé delle Casasse" refers to the specific, historic clone of the grape: Nebbiolo Rosé.
This rare biotype—genetically distinct from the standard Nebbiolo found in 99% of Barbaresco—was famous historically for its intense, spicy perfume. However, it was ripped out of most vineyards in the 1970s because it produces lighter-colored wines. Natale Simonetta of Cascina Baricchi is the guardian of this "ghost" grape, farming it in the Casasse vineyard to keep the history alive.
Here is why the 2017 vintage is so fascinating for this specific wine. 2017 was a warm, solar vintage in Piedmont. While the heat was challenging for standard Nebbiolo (sometimes making it too heavy), it was a blessing for the delicate Nebbiolo Rosé clone. The sun gave this naturally ethereal grape a layer of "flesh" and body that it rarely achieves, resulting in a wine that combines the exotic spice of the clone with the rich, red fruit of the season.
