RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Caricalasino is an aromatic, light-skinned grape grown in a very limited area of Piedmont. The variety is almost unheard of outside the limited sphere of obscure wine specialists, or those specifically studying Piedmontese viticulture or endangered vine species.

Caricalasino and Barbera Bianca are widely considered synonyms or the exact same grape variety in regional Italian viticulture (particularly in Piedmont), though official ampelographical records sometimes note historical local confusion with other minor vines. Its origins date back to a spontaneous cross between Timorasso, a white variety from eastern Piedmont, and Crovin di Perti, a native Ligurian grape variety, but once widely cultivated in Piedmont as well.

Despite its name and a resemblance in bunch shape to the better-known red Barbera, ampelographic studies confirm that Barbera Bianca is not genetically related.

Almost disappeared in favor of more profitable vines such as Cortese, Caricalasino was saved from oblivion by a vigneron from Strevi, in the Bagnario Valley, although the number of planted hectares are barely scratching the surface, struggling to even hit double digits.

The name means "load-the-ass" (Carica means "load", asino means "ass") and refers to the days when donkeys were the only means of transporting grapes between the hillside vineyards and the wineries.

The thick-skinned berries, used mainly in still, dry white wines, make quite tannic wine, unless great care is taken not to press the wine too aggressively. It is a vigorous variety that gives regular crops. Its robust structure and evenly distributed bunches make it resistant to both fungal diseases and flowering problems such as coulure.

The vine was registered in the National Catalogue of Grapevine Varieties in 1970.

Sources: (https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape); (https://www.uncorkventional.com/2022/09/23/5-vitigni-rari-a-bacca-bianca/); (https://marencovini.com/prodotto/carialoso-vitigno-raro/) &  (https://www.italyabroad.com/grapes/barbera-bianca)

VIVC: https://vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=975

Parentage: Timorasso & Crovin di Perti

Tasting notes: The straw yellow wine obtained from these grapes is fragrant and elegant, featuring prominent notes of chamomile, honey, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, pear, and fresh-cut grass, backed by subtle floral and herbal minerals.

Dry, medium-bodied, savory and remarkably fresh with an intrinsic, vibrant acidity balanced by fine minerality. Because of its thick skins, it can offer a unique, soft, powdery, almost tannic mouthfeel if handled carefully during pressing. It often finishes with a subtle, buttery, and persistent length.

Source: (https://sommo.app/grape-varieties/caricalasino/)

Food Pairings: It goes well with fish dishes like seared tuna, white meats and light first courses.

Source: (https://marencovini.com/barbera-bianca-fu-caricalasino-2/)

Production areas: Carialoso Monferrato Bianco DOC

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/caricalasino-white-barbera/

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