Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco 2014

Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco 2014 is a 750ml, 14.0% ABV Nebbiolo from the Barbaresco DOCG in Piedmont, Italy. Awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast reviewer Kerin O'Keefe and 94 points from Wine Spectrum, this estate-grown bottling from the Ovello hill demonstrates serious depth and structure from a producer with deep roots in one of Barbaresco's most storied vineyard sites.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.0%  |  Origin: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2014  |  Producer: Cantina del Pino

Production & Heritage

Cantina del Pino is a small family estate run by Renato Vacca, who spent five years working alongside the famed Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative before striking out on his own. The winery's vineyards are concentrated around the Ovello hill, a site of enormous historical significance — it was on the Ovello vineyard that Domizio Cavazza produced the very first wine labeled as Barbaresco in 1894. The soils here blend limestone with sandy veins and carry a high calcium content, contributing minerality and tension to the wines. This 2014 is made from 100% estate-grown Nebbiolo, naturally vinified with no fining or filtration, then aged 24 months in oak followed by 18 months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with menthol and woodland berry before revealing blue flower, ground pepper, and a layer of new leather. There are also fragrant notes of exotic spice and crushed herbs that add complexity as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is vibrant and linear, with juicy red cherry and pomegranate leading the way. Mid-palate, flavors of star anise, clove, and a subtle tobacco character emerge, all framed by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Wine Spectator described the palate as "dense" and "expressive and complex, underscored by a muscular structure."

Finish: The finish is long and savory, with lingering balsamic notes and a silky tannic grip that trails off slowly. Cherry and licorice echoes persist well after the last sip, rewarding patience.

How to Drink Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco

This 2014 Barbaresco drinks best at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from at least 30 minutes in a decanter to open up its aromatic layers. Serving it neat in a large-bowled Burgundy glass allows the menthol and floral notes to fully express themselves. While Barbaresco is classically a food wine rather than a cocktail ingredient, it shines alongside rich Italian cuisine — pour it with braised short ribs, wild boar ragù over fresh pappardelle, or a simple plate of hand-cut tajarin with butter and sage.

Best For

• Gifting a Nebbiolo enthusiast or Italian wine collector
• Pairing with a multi-course Italian dinner featuring braised or roasted meats
• Cellaring for continued development over the next several years
• Exploring the historic Ovello vineyard site without the single-vineyard price premium

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco taste like? This wine leads with vibrant red cherry and pomegranate, layered with star anise, menthol, and tobacco, all carried by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. It is savory and elegant rather than fruit-forward, with a long balsamic finish.

How does Cantina Del Pino compare to Produttori del Barbaresco? Founder Renato Vacca trained at the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative for five years before establishing Cantina del Pino, so the two share a philosophical lineage rooted in site-driven Nebbiolo. Cantina del Pino tends toward a more artisanal, natural approach — no fining or filtration — and focuses specifically on the Ovello hill, while Produttori draws from a broader range of Barbaresco crus.

Is Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco good for sipping neat? Absolutely — this is a classically structured Barbaresco built for the table or for quiet contemplation, ideally after decanting. Its balance of acidity, tannin, and aromatic complexity makes it rewarding to sip on its own.

Where is Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco made? It is produced at the Cantina del Pino estate in the Barbaresco DOCG appellation of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards sit on the Ovello hill, whose cooler microclimate and limestone-and-sand soils have been prized since the late 19th century.

What foods pair well with Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco? Braised beef or veal pairs beautifully, as the wine's acidity and tannins cut through rich, fatty preparations. Truffle risotto highlights its earthy, savory qualities. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno cheese echo the wine's intensity. Wild mushroom dishes complement its forest-floor aromatics. Roasted lamb with rosemary bridges the herbal and spice notes in the wine.

What sizes does Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco worth the price? This wine positions as a mid-range Barbaresco — estate-grown Nebbiolo from the renowned Ovello hill, naturally vinified and aged extensively before release. With scores of 92 from Wine Enthusiast and 94 from Wine Spectrum, it represents serious value within the Barbaresco DOCG category.

Why Cantina Del Pino Barbaresco?

What separates this wine from the broader Barbaresco field is its singular focus on the Ovello hill — the very site where Barbaresco was first produced as a named wine in 1894. Renato Vacca's decision to farm and vinify naturally, without fining or filtration, results in a wine that transmits place with unusual clarity. The 2014 vintage, validated by a 94-point score from Wine Spectrum and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, shows the kind of aromatic complexity and structural finesse that has earned Cantina del Pino a loyal following among collectors who value authenticity over brand recognition. For anyone seeking an entry point into serious, site-specific Barbaresco from a historic vineyard, this bottling makes a compelling case.