Cascina San Leto is a humble azienda amongst the rolling hills of Costa Vescovato, a commune in the far southeast of one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, Piedmont. This small sector in the southeast is known as the Colli Tortonesi. The region is not known for growing Nebbiolo, but rather grapes like Timorasso, Barbera, Croatina, and Cortese.Cascina San Leto was founded by Carlo Ricci in 1929 & today is run by Daniele Ricci, one of the regions most well respected winemakers.

Daniele however does not take credit for the greatness of his wines, he turns to the greatness of the terroir. He explains that soils of Costa Vescovato and the Colli Tortonesi consist of calcareous/clay marls that are identical to those of Serralunga d’Alba, the commune in Barolo producing the most structural and age worthy wines. Wines such as Conterno’s Cascina Francia, Bruno Giacosa’s monopole Falletto, & the great wines of Cappellano are all grown on this very specific soil. 

Derthona 2019 is lightly phenolic but fresh. Notes of chalky minerals, tea leaves, & peach co mingle, creating a lively perspective on a potentially over phenolic and heavy style of wine. 

Pairing: Gnocchi with sage butter, fresh cheeses 

Grape: Timorasso 

Viticulture: Organic 

Soil: calcareous/clay marls