This tiny winery holds a special place in the history of
Barbaresco. It was first owned by Domizio Cavazza,
who first recognised the potential of Barbaresco for
the Nebbiolo grape around the turn of the last century.
He’s known fondly as ‘the father of Barbaresco’.
The eponymous pine tree, Pino, was planted by
Cavazza himself to celebrate the birth of his first son.
The estate was acquired by the great-grandfather of
Renato Vacca, who is the current incumbent. Renato
produced his first vintage in 1997, and now makes
some of Barbaresco’s most exciting wines: ones that
the “father of Barbaresco” would be proud of.
As well as being a talented winemaker, Renato has
some amazing raw materials to work with. The
estate’s vines average an impressive 40 years of age,
stretching to 70 years in the Ovello vineyard. And the
grapes that result are so good, Renato takes a step
back in the cellar: he lets the wines do their thing. The
results are pure, intense, and expressive, from the
humble Dolcetto grape all the way to the wonderful
single vineyard Barbarescos made from pure
Nebbiolo fruit.