2020 Cantina del Pino, Barbaresco, Gallina

Cantina del Pino is an outstanding traditional estate led by the Vacca family who have deep roots in Barbaresco. Renato Vacca was remarkable, passionate, driven, and seemed to bleed Barbaresco wine. We’ve always admired his unique ability to craft incredibly true, transparent wines and of course the incredible value they represent. The Gallina vineyard is mainly composed of Tortonian marl soils, a combination of clay and limestone, which yields full-bodied, richer, and more concentrated wines with deep color and dark fruits, spice, and earth. Renato loved how his vineyards were so different, yet so close to one another. Gallina is typically more dark-fruited and powerful than Ovello but no less compelling; in this 2020 vintage, the Gallina finds a more airy, delicate character that’s quite charming.