Nas-Cëtta: the forgotten grape of Novello which turned into a successtory

Nas-Cëtta or Nascetta: which one do you want to taste?

Some grapes are only to be found in one country, some grapes only in one very small town, or even very small parts of the town. This is the case with Nas-Cëtta, with a very limited production by only nine winegrowers.  What’s the difference between Nas-Cëtta and Nascetta: this limit of nine producers in Novello and every other Nascetta is made in Piedmont but outside of this little town.  Nas-Cêtta is often referred to as the white Barolo as of course Novello is very famous for Barolo production.

In 1880 this local grape variety Nas-Cëtta was already stated in the book on the enology and viticulture of the Cuneo province of Fantina.

Elvio Cogno is one of the historic figures of Langhe for producing Nas-Cëtta, also Le Stretta but the very artisan production of Nas-Cëtta in small quantity is realized by another Cogno,  Silvo Cogno of the wine estate Cascina Gavetta.  A very expressive person, with a high level of enthusiasm and passion for this historical grape. Ten years ago this grape variety came more under the attention, but then a bit forgotten, even ignored. 

Nas-Cëtta is a semi-aromatic grape and nowadays very popular, but it must be said it is far from an easy variety to work with.  Genetically the production only gives one bunch per cane. Deleafing is a necessity and is a lot of work for only the extremely limited quantity. Also in the cellar the extra work means a higher cost.

Attention must be paid for those wanting a 100%  Nas-Cëtta to focus on these nine producers of Novello as it is allowed to have a blend of 85% Nascetta and other varieties.  Not every producer outside of Novello guarantees the one and only grape Nas-Cëtta to be present in the bottle.

According to Ian d’Agata, wine journalist, Nascetta reminds him of a mix of Vermentino and Sauvignon with a touch of Riesling.

A young Nascetta has a fruity and herbal pungency reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc, with age up honeyed notes are present more reminiscent of the latter,  and they always exude a balsamic mintiness that brings Vermentino to  mind.  The balsamic note is really the main feature of Nascetta. Nascetta’s are also extremely saline, a salinity that gives the wine a strong savory quality and leaves the taste with a huge impression of acidity, though total acidity level isn’t high at all.  (5,5 per liter)

Nas-Cëtta is a wine estimed by all persons of our tasting panel as delicious, straw yellow-golden, with aromas of aromatic herbs,  orange, ginger, and star fruit, complicated by sage, rosemary,  balsamic mint.  Honey and vanilla emerge as the wine ages, which it really does very well. Nas-Cëtta’s of five years old are still vibrantly fresh.  

Cascina Gavetta,  Nas-Cetta 2018