The Nas-cetta from the municipality of Novello.... an extraordinary white wine among great reds.
Nas-cetta, an ancient native vine whose cultivation is "almost exclusively in the Municipality of Novello," is already mentioned in 19th-century writings. In the "Saggio di Ampelografia universale" (1877), Giuseppe dei Conti di Rovasenda describes Nas-cetta as "a very delicate grape and exquisite wine."
Until the 1950s, all families in Novello had a few rows of Nas-cetta, and with these grapes they produced a semi-sweet white wine for their own consumption.
Unfortunately, its cultivation was lost over the years, probably also due to the difficulties of cultivation in the vineyard (tendency to variable production, vine with rebellious vegetal development and difficult to manage).
In 1991, the conversation about Nas-cetta and its potential came back to Novello thanks to Mayor Silvio Alessandria, Dr. Mario Ubigli and Pastor Don Rapalino. It was in the parish magazine of the time that one of the first modern articles on Nas-cetta appeared, encouraging its cultivation, vinification and rediscovery.
Cascina Gavetta has always believed in this vine that has its roots in the hills of Novello just like the Cogno family of Gavetta. Some rare Nas-cetta vines over 70 years old can still be seen in their vineyards until 2020.
Since 2007, they have been planting new vineyards with selected clones of the old vines, and from them they extract certified wood to produce vines for the new plantings. Their first vinification of Nas-cetta began in 2010. Initially on an experimental basis and officially in 2012.
Vine: NAS-CETTA 100% native semi-aromatic vine
Production area: the grapes come from the Belmonda vineyard in the municipality of Novello, in these vineyards the village apothecary already produced a fine Nebbiolo for bottling at the beginning of the 20th century.
Location: South-West, the fortunate location of these vineyards benefits the aromatic complexity of the grapes, which are particularly demanding in terms of heat: as Fantini wrote in 1883, "The anascetta vine produces very fine grapes, especially in well-lit situations." Planting year: 2007 Altitude: 440 meters above sea level Planting density: 4,300 vines per hectare Soil: marly, white limestone with some sandy veins Planting system: Classical Guyot
Viticulture: harvests are always late (late September), with the vines differing greatly from other white varieties in the region even at this stage. Once in the cellar, the grapes are immediately destemmed. After overnight maceration on the skins, fermentation begins at a controlled temperature for about 15 days. The wine then remains in steel tanks, aging on the noble lees, for at least six months with one batonage per week. It rests in bottle for at least six months before being released to the market.
Wine: Well structured and with just the right acidity, the wine has floral notes (acacia flowers), fruity notes (apple, citrus and exotic fruits as the grapes ripen) and honey. Thanks to its intense minerality and great structure, it is particularly suitable for aging with an unexpected evolution of aromas and flavors; perhaps due to its probable genetic affinity with other red Langa vines. All work in the vineyard and cellar is carried out by the Cogno family
Alcohol content: 14.5%
More information about the producer: Cascina Gavetta
