Langhe DOC Nas-cëtta del Comune di Novello

As anyone who appreciates their wine will know, the Langhe region can claim a lot of wines produced from indigenous grapes.  Barolo, Barberesco, Barbera, Dolcetto to name just a few.  These big guns get a lot of attention but there is a fabulous white grape that Novello calls its own.  Nascetta, Nas-cëtta or Anas-cëtta is a very impressive little grape that can hold its head up in a region more famous for its reds. 

We have enjoyed learning about it and its interesting history and also introducing as many people to it as possible.  Call us unofficial Nas-cëtta diplomats.    Since our first taste we have been hooked and keenly anticipate each vintage of the growing number of Novello producers adding Nas-cëtta to their catalogues.   

Our understanding is the grape can be rather temperamental to cultivate so we applaud the persistence of the producers.  Interestingly, this wine can be enjoyed young and also benefits from ageing - if you are disciplined enough!   

We have noticed that more and more Langhe producers are also adding Nas-cëtta to their line-ups and in some cases blending it.  We have not had one we haven’t liked!   But to be an official Langhe DOC Nas-cëtta del Comune di Novello the wine can only contain 100% Nas-cëtta grapes grown within the Comune of Novello.    

At last count, twelve producers now make Novello Nas-cëtta and to the untrained palates such as ours, there are twelve nuanced Nas-cëttas.    Some are aged only in stainless steel and some also spend some time in oak and it is not always that easy to tell, such is the faceted Nas-cëtta.  All are dry but some lighter in style and some more full bodied.  Interestingly, in centuries past, Nas-cëtta was produced as a sweet wine. 

We have been slipping a bottle or two into our luggage whenever we travel to see family and friends and it is now an expected addition to the celebration table.          

So if you happen to be in Novello make sure you try it.  We know you won’t leave without a few bottles.  You can see, taste and buy the full range of Novello’s Nas-cëttas at the Cantina Comunale di Novello. Dear reader, you will be happy to know that home packs can be ordered via their website. You can also contact the producers directly. They are all listed below.

Alternatively, talk to your wine bar, wineshop, sommelier or importer. If they are not offering it, suggest they need to!  After all, who doesn’t like being the one with the insider knowledge.   

The twelve producers are: Marengo Mauro, La Strette, Elvio Cogno, Stra, San Silvestro, Casa Baricalino, Vietto, La Pergola, Luca Marenco, Cascina Gaveta, Arnaldo Rivera (Terre del Barolo) and  Massimiliano Passone.