Nascetta
(Anascetta, Nas-cëtta, Nascette, Danascetta.)
Nascetta is a rare white Italian grape that was on the verge of extinction but managed to survive due to local enthusiasts who reintroduced it in 1994. The grape originates from Langhe (Piedmont), but it is mainly associated with Novello, where most plantings are found today. It produces straw-colored wines with herbal and floral aromas of iris and acacia, along with fruity notes reminiscent of apple, citruses, and tropical fruit.
They typically have bright acidity and a well-structured body, with subtle minerality and bitterness. The wines have some aging potential and can be aged in wood or steel. If oak-aged, they tend to gain vanilla, spice-like, and honeyed nuances. Nascetta wines can be enjoyed as an aperitif, and they pair well with lighter fare, such as appetizers, cheese, poultry, and seafood, especially oysters and crustaceans. Read more
Nascetta almost disappeared after phylloxera and the two world wars. It was mostly replaced by Nebbiolo, which is considered one of the prime Italian varieties used for the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco. Before the 1990s, Nascetta was rarely cultivated, and it was usually used for everyday table wines.
Elvio Cogno was the first to start with the limited production of Nascetta. The grape was primarily added to Langhe DOC (in 2002), which later included Nascetta del comune di Novello (in 2010), a subzone where the wines are exclusively made with Nascetta.
Small amounts are found in Monforte d’Alba and Trezzo Tinella. Nascetta and Nas-cëtta are legally allowed to be used on labels.
Serve with
Spaghetti ai ricci di mare
Spaghetti ai ricci di mare is a simple pasta dish consisting of spaghetti and sea urchins, technically sea urchin gonads that produce the roe. Since the urchin ... Read more
