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Nascetta is one of the best-kept secrets of Northern Italy (the Piedmont region). Originating from the small town of Novello, this rare white grape variety yields exceptionally aromatic and structured wines. They are dominated by notes of wildflowers, citrus, honey, and Mediterranean sage. It is a unique white wine from a kingdom of red wines, boasting excellent aging potential.
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White dry
Italy
This variety is experiencing a true renaissance, and its best examples come from the prestigious Langhe Nascetta del Comune di Novello appellation.
Most winemakers ferment Nascetta grapes in stainless steel tanks, applying extended contact with the lees (sur lie). This gives the wine a rich, creamy texture and highlights its salty minerality. Some bolder producers use a light touch of oak, which accentuates sweet notes of beeswax, acacia honey, and ripe fruits.
Thanks to its excellent acid structure and subtle herbal background, Nascetta is a very versatile food companion. The wine pairs perfectly with Piedmont cuisine classics like Vitello Tonnato (veal with tuna sauce), as well as creamy mushroom risottos, fresh fish, goat cheese, and vegetable appetizers.
Like many other local Italian varieties, after the phylloxera epidemic, Nascetta was uprooted and replaced by more profitable, higher-yielding red grapes (Nebbiolo or Barbera). It wasn't until the 1990s that a few visionary winemakers (the Elvio Cogno estate) from the town of Novello found just a few old vines and started a meticulous program to restore this noble variety.
Although it is a white wine, Nascetta surprises with its ability to age. Young wines are fresh and smell of white fruits and Mediterranean herbs. Aged in the bottle for 5–10 years, the wine acquires deep notes of resin, beeswax, honey, and roasted nuts, which experts often compare to the best white wines of the French Rhône Valley.
