Ca del Baio

Ca del Baio is a tiny family winery in Treiso, a village near Barbaresco and just north of Alba in Italy's northwestern Piedmonte region. Their wines are made from Nebbiolo, sometimes called the "diva" of Italian grapes - temperamental, low yielding and late ripening, often compared to Pinot noir in its variability.

Ca del Baio is owned by the Grasso family. Giulio Grasso is assisted by his three lively daughters, Paola, Valentina, and Federica, continuing a four generation tradition starting with founder Luigi Grasso.

The Grassos own vineyards located both at the winery (45 acres) and in the nearly villlage of Asili, respected as one of the best grape growing areas in the region. While best known for their Nebbiolo based wines, they also grow Dolcetto and Barbera and make a Chardonnay as well.

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More About Ca del Baio Winery

below, the road to Ca del Baio

The Grasso's home and winery are situated in Treiso. Their cru Barbaresco vineyards are located in Treiso (Valgrande and Marcarini make up 25 hectares, the bulk of their holdings) and the town of Barbaresco proper (Asili and Pora vineyards). The winery produces about 8000 cases a year, about 4000 of which are Nebbiolo and the rest are a combination of Dolcetto, Barbera, Chardonnay, and a bit of Moscato.

The Grassos farm their vineyards using "agricultura integrata" - roughly equivalent to Oregon's sustainable practices. Minimal chemicals are used on the soil and the winemaking usually uses naturally occuring yeasts. Consulting winemaker Beppe Caviola (Ca'Viola Winery, "Winemaker of the Year" 2002 Gambero Rosso) has consulted with the Grasso family for two decades with tremendous success. Ca del Baio has received the highest ratings from Gambero Rosso, and high scores from Wine Advocate, for their very reasonably priced wines.

below, three generations of the Grasso family

below, Ca del Baio's cellars

below, floor of Ca del Baio winery entrance

below, aerial shot, Ca del Baio Winery and vineyards

below, the town of Barbaresco