Cascina Pugnane Barolo Bussia 2018

Cascina Pugnane is a winery in Castiglione Falletto, within Italy's renowned Barolo region. Situated on a hill at the intersection of the municipalities of Barolo, Monforte, and Castiglione Falletto, the estate benefits from a prime location in the heart of the Barolo area, specifically on the Pugnane hill, recognized as a 'CRU' zone. The winery specializes in producing Barolo DOCG and Dolcetto d'Alba DOC wines. Their Barolo is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, known for their bright garnet red color and suitability for aging. The wine undergoes traditional winemaking processes, including fermentation and extended aging in large Slavonian oak barrels, allowing it to develop complexity and depth.

In addition to their winemaking, Cascina Pugnane offers visitors an immersive experience that includes vineyard walks, Barolo tastings, and wine tours, providing a comprehensive insight into their viticultural practices and the unique terroir of the region. The estate's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in their meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques, resulting in wines that authentically express the character of their terroir.

Piedmont, or Piemonte as it's known in Italian, is often hailed as the "Burgundy of Italy" by wine enthusiasts. This esteemed wine-producing region sits in Italy's northwestern corner, nestled at the base of the mountains. Surrounded by France to the west, Valle d'Aosta northwest, Lombardy east, and Liguria south, Piedmont is also home to Turin, its capital and largest city.

A standout feature of Piedmont, much like Veneto, is its rich tapestry of indigenous grape varieties. These varietals create a diverse range of unique and exceptional wines. A key aspect of Piedmont's traditional winemaking is the practice of using single grape varieties and avoiding blends, which highlights the region's dedication to showcasing individual grape characteristics.

Piedmont's comparison to Burgundy stems from several crucial factors. Firstly, there's a strong emphasis on quality over quantity, with many wineries being small, family-owned, and harmoniously integrated with their natural surroundings. This focus aligns perfectly with the principles of natural wine production.

Secondly, the region adopts a terroir-driven approach to viticulture and winemaking. Vineyards are meticulously divided into cru (or zonazione in Italian), each producing wines with distinct and specific characteristics.

Lastly, the renowned Nebbiolo grape, a staple of Piedmont and globally celebrated, is treated similarly to Burgundy's Pinot Noir. Notably, Nebbiolo wines are never blended, further emphasizing the region's commitment to purity and quality, key tenets of natural wine philosophy.