Malabaila di Canale 'Cardunaj' Rosso, Piedmont, Italy

A strikingly fresh and aromatic take on the Brachetto grape, the 2023 Malabaila di Canale 'Cardunaj' Rosso, Piedmont, Italy, is a dry red wine that showcases the vibrant character and untapped potential of this typically sweet variety. Sourced from the historic Malabaila estate’s Cardunaj parcel, named for a forested area of the property, this unique cuvée reveals a compelling balance of perfume, structure, and finesse.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Brachetto
• Farming Practices: Sustainable
• Alcohol: 13%
• Vinification: Whole bunches are soft-pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to retain freshness and aromatics
• Body: Light to medium
• Soil Type: Sandy soils of Roero
• Winemaker/ Cellar Manager: Valerio Falletti 
• Oenologist Consultant: Andrea Paglietti

Sensory Description:

This dry Brachetto offers a vibrant ruby hue and an expressive bouquet of wild strawberries, ripe cherries, violets, and honeysuckle. On the palate, it is lively and textured, delivering red berry fruit layered with mint, earth, and floral spice. Supple tannins and balanced acidity create a graceful structure, leading into a lingering finish that’s fresh yet grounded in subtle complexity.

Winemaker's Background:

Malabaila di Canale is one of Piedmont’s oldest estates, with a legacy dating back to the 11th century and a Renaissance palace still standing in Asti. Today, the family continues to farm with an emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity, producing expressive, terroir-driven wines that highlight native varieties and historical plots. Their focus on Brachetto in a dry style is rare and compelling, showcasing their innovative spirit rooted in tradition.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at 55–58°F. Ideal with grilled duck breast, roasted beets, herbed pork, or even a mild, funky cheese like Taleggio. Its floral aromatics and light tannins also make it a lovely pairing for lighter charcuterie and summer fare.

This 2023 Malabaila di Canale 'Cardunaj' Rosso, Piedmont, Italy, offers a bold reimagining of Brachetto, a grape known for sweetness but here elevated through minimal intervention and meticulous site expression into a dry, nuanced red that invites both curiosity and reverence.