SALVETO IMPORTS
& DISTRIBUTION
Ezio Cocito has a vivid memory of his father, Ercole, reconstructing the traditional way they used to make foot-trodden wine at the family vineyard in Bric Micca, Nieve, Piemonte, Italy. Ezio was five years old at the time. The family had stopped making wine on their great grand father’s estate 19th century estate because of the ravages of the Second World War. Forty plus years later, in 1996, Ezio decided to replant Nebbiolo grapes at their family vineyard in Bric Micca, called Baluchin. Beginning in 2010, Enzo has been joined by his daughter, Federica. Having grown up in the vineyard, and toiled since 11 years old, she is intimately familiar with the family vineyards and their nuances. Together, Ezio and Federico endeavor to express through wine and celebrate the region.
Barbaresco Riserva
This is 100% Nebbiolo from the tiny Barbaresco Cru of Bric Micca. The Baluchin vineyard (“Star” in the local dialect) peaks around 400m above sea level, and has soils of calcareous clay and sandy soil. The name references the vineyard’s ideal position for star gazing. As a Barbaresco Riserva, the wine must be aged a minimum of 50 months total, 9 months of which must be on oak. At Cocito, they age this wine in 20% small new French barrels for 20-22 months. The wine is unfiltered, nor is it claryified. All of this makes for an exceedingly elegant and focused expression of Nebbiolo. Kirsch, tea, violets, rose pedals, and grilled cherries flow through this intense stream of elegant tannins, integrated alcohol, and bracing acidity. Grilled tuna, linguine with meat sauce, and grilled portobello stuffed with smoked provolone would all go perfectly with this. The Cocito Barbaresco Riserva is made and aged at La Spinetta in Castagnole delle Lanze. Only 400 cases are made.
Langhe Bianco Ben Turno
This is 95% Arneis and 5% Chardonnay from randomly scattered vines throughout the Ben Turno Vineyard, which is one of the oldest vineyards in Neive. At an altitude of 260-280 meters, it enjoys a southeast and east exposure, which is perfectly suitable to Arneis. Fermentation for this wine is performed under controlled temperature in stainless steel. It is rested and aged in stainless steel as well, prior to bottling. This is a dark horse; an absolute exquisite wine. The Chardonnay brings in elegance and a familiar weight and body. Arneis plays the lead instrument, melding archetypal citrus, clear minerals, and the most gorgeous golden cherries. This is mouth-filling, but not heavy, with a long, vibrant, finish. Drink with grilled herb and lemon marinated pork loin, Halibut with Israeli Cous Cous in an orange vinaigrette, or as an aperitif with crispy salads with mandarin oranges and salty pecans.