The 2017 Ca’ Del Baio Barbaresco Autinbej is the top Barbaresco value I’ve ever encountered. From a fourth generation, family run, organically farmed estate, this is a wonderful wine made by wonderful people. I was able to secure 10 cases (120 bottles of this one), but that’s it for the vintage.
Autinbej evokes a bygone era when such wines were the union of Nebbiolo grapes from the best, sunniest parts of different crus. Autinbej is a tribute to Giulio Grasso’s late father, Ernesto, who often used the Piemontese word to describe the best vineyard exposures. The quality is evident from the first sniff and sip on this one, and at less than $40/bottle, you won’t find a better Barbaresco value out there.
2017 Ca’ Del Baio Barbaresco Autinbej
“Beautifully aromatic, classically structured, and perfect for classic fall meals.” – JS – 93 points
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order this item in our online store.
Trust me, this is not too good to be true! I know sub-$40 Barbarescos and Barolos often are priced that low for good reason. The wines are often lean, mean, and green, but this is just the opposite. There’s wonderful Nebbiolo presence here — dried rose petal, violet, sweet spice, ripe raspberry, and cherry show up on the nose and the palate. There’s also that classic tension (acidity and tannin) that good Barbaresco is known for, but the ripe fruit provides marvelous balance.
For four generations Ca’ del Baio has been a family affair, as is the tradition in the Langhe. Nurtured and passed down from father to son, the vineyards surrounding the Grasso family farmhouse have been added to over time through marriage and acquisitions. Today it is Giulio and Luciana who, together with their daughters Paola, Valentina and Federica, handle all the various areas of the business with passion and expertise, from the growing and vinification of the grapes, to hospitality and wine sales.
What else is there to say? Sub-$40 Barbaresco that could easily pass for $50+ Barbaresco. Enjoy this one with classic Langhe dishes like mushroom risotto, ossobuco, or other slow braised meats or stews. My advice — buy 6, drink some now, but tuck some away for 5-7 years. This will evolve, the tannin/acid will soften, and the aromas/flavors will turn even more complex.
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order this item in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville