Cascina Penna-Currado Derthona Timorasso ‘E.P’ 2023

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

About Cascina Penna-Currado

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.

“In the firm belief that fresh energy is the driving force behind successful businesses, we have invested in the future of our family, which can count on substantial know-how and solid roots in the place it calls home. We know that the Langa area will play an increasingly central role in the future of Italian wine, especially if family and authenticity continue to be espoused as core values in artisanal approaches.”
Luca Currado Vietti

The winery calls home a renovated cascina in Serralunga d’Alba that dates back to 1554, while the vineyards span pristine parcels of the Langhe and Derthona areas. Care for the land and the choice of vineyards is of particular importance to the Cascina Penna-Currado operation: they have opted for cooler areas, rich in biodiversity and keen to a new, longevous interpretation of the Langhe. A renowned enologist in Italy and beyond, Luca will head up the in the cellar while Elena’s mastery in hospitality and commercial operations are fundamental to the life of the wines after bottling. Both are consolidated ambassadors for the region of Piedmont, beloved by other producers in the region and global customers alike for the hard work they have chipped away at in constructing the undeniable allure of this land and its wines. 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.

In the Vineyard

The kaleidoscope of vineyard sites and parcels put together by Elena and Luca is an attribute to their respect across the Langhe, particularly from an agricultural point of view. Each vineyard site is farmed organically and using the best possibile practices, while taking into considering a newfound point of view regarding climate change. If ever were one word to encapsulate their philosophy in choosing vineyards, it would be “experience”. Luca has worked, managed or personally planted several of the parcels that now form Cascina Penna-Currado, though he has a keen eye on cooler, even northern-facing vineyards given the quickly changing climate and ripening tendencies.

Let’s not forget the Luca was a key figure in the classification of the MGA’s within each of the Communes in Barolo.

The winery is located in the outskirts of Serralunga, in an incomparable position with 360’ views of the towns in the Langa del Barolo area. Their 20-some hectares of current vineyard holdings have been carefully chosen in respect to the quickly changing climate and also their generations-deep wisdom of the various corners of the Langhe, and beyond. In regards to the red wine production, most of the vineyard holdings lie in the municipality of Monforte: a huge highlight of the property today considering the lease of 13 contiguous hectares in the hamlet of San Sebastiano. Although it is within the Monforte d’Alba township, the area sits just outside the Barolo zone. This entire area was once considered within the regulations for Barolo, which speaks to its quality potential. Monforte, as we know, shines for its diversity and is tough to pinpoint in terms of terroir, though it is known for its soils of marine sedimentary origin characterized by alternating layers of marl and sand or sandstone.

In the Winery

The range includes Dolcetto, Barbera, Langhe Nebbiolo, Nebbiolo d’Alba and Timorasso. Three Barolos will debut with the 2023 vintage, two single vineyard Barolos from top sites and a blended Barolo.

The vinification philosophy here is a reflection of the extensive experiences of winemaker, Luca Currado, who worked over 35 harvests at Vietti alone, and in addition spent time as a consultant across Tuscany and in the New World. He utilizes whole cluster maceration in search of the right amount of potency, power and tannins. Luca aims to strike the right balance between luscious, concentrated wines that aren’t too ripe.

Dolcetto- Bricco Lago

The grapes are vinified whole cluster and aging takes place in stainless steel for this fragrant rendition of Dolcetto.

Barbera – Carrà

The Carrà site is in the San Sebastiano area of Municipality of Monforte, with a particularly great natural biodiversity. Grapes come from predominantly from two parcels; one planted in 1965 and another in 2000. The wine is vinified partially whole cluster and aged in botti making it rich and concentrated but not too ripe.

Langhe Nebbiolo – Bricco Lago

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.

The 2022 Vintage at Cascina Penna-Currado

Vintage 2022 was one of the earliest and most surprising, yet the vines in the Langhe showed once again their unrivalled capacity for adaptation. Winter was already dry and mild, and what was clear from the outset was the lack of water reserves. Higher maximum temperatures in late May and June coupled with the continuing lack of rainfall accelerated the physiological development with flowering occurring by mid-June, 10 days ahead of the average. July continued dry and hot, so management of the foliage and canopy was of paramount importance. Picking began early September with the white varieties which showed excellent sugar levels with a good acid profile.

The reds are full-bodied wines with excellent long-term ageing potential, where attention had been paid to preserving the acid profile.

Where in the World is Cascina Penna-Currado?

The winery calls home a renovated cascina in Serralunga d’Alba that dates back to 1554, while the vineyards span pristine parcels of the Langhe and Derthona areas. Significant holdings are in the Commune of Monforte, the least well defined Commune in Barolo. Work is underway to further define the MGA’s of the Commune.