Cascina Penna-Currado, Langhe Nebbiolo "Bricco Lago" Piedmont, Italy 2023

From a unique vineyard site in Monforte d’Alba surrounded by unmatched biodiversity and clay and limestone soils, these Nebbiolo vines cascade down from the church of San Sebastiano towards the only natural lake in the Langhe. Cold maceration is used, followed by whole berry fermentation (not whole cluster, as they wish to avoid excessive power). 8 to 12 months of barrel aging set this Nebbiolo into a different realm in relation to other wines in its category.

Cascina Penna-Currado is the new personal venture of the Penna-Currado Vietti family, spearheaded by Elena Penna, Luca Currado Vietti and their kids, Michele and Giulia. Custodians of a cultural and sentimental legacy in the noble lands of the Langhe, Luca and Elena spent over 35 years at the helm of one of Piedmont’s most lauded wineries, Vietti, until both decided to part ways in January of 2023. Their new venture is of entirely different scale, artisanal, and they look forward to building it as a family endeavor with their marvelous mix of wit, wisdom and refreshed ambition grounded by their sound roots and experience in the Langhe.

The label that wraps their bottles is an original, commissioned artwork by Giuseppe Stampone, one of Elena and Luca’s favorite artists whose work is done using BIC pens. The image of children staring over the horizon lends to the idea of a new start, taking roads untraveled.