2016 Cascina Adelaide “Preda” Barolo
About the Producer
Founded in 1999 by Amabile Drocco, Cascina Adelaide is a modern Barolo estate rooted in family tradition and a passion for precision winemaking. Drocco returned to his farming roots and built a gravity-fed cellar in the heart of Barolo village, emphasizing single-vineyard bottlings that showcase the character of each cru. His philosophy prioritizes low-intervention viticulture, hand-tended Nebbiolo, and careful cellar techniques that preserve site expression. Cascina Adelaide’s vineyards span Barolo’s most prestigious crus—including Cannubi, Preda, Fossati, Costa Fiore, Pernici, and Bussia—and the wines consistently earn acclaim from guides like Decanter and Falstaff.
Barolo & the Preda Vineyard
Nestled in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, Barolo is celebrated as the “King of Wines” for its elegance, structure, and storied history. The Preda vineyard features white clay and sandy soils with western exposure, creating wines that are bright, refined, and expressive. This single-cru approach allows the 2016 Preda Barolo to showcase the vineyard’s distinctive personality while staying true to Barolo’s classic power and finesse.
Tasting Notes
Pours a deep garnet-red, the 2016 Preda Barolo opens with aromas of ripe plum, red berries, and warm spice. On the palate, juicy mulberry and blueberry mingle with cinnamon, licorice, and subtle herbal notes, balanced by polished tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long, savory, and layered, reflecting both Nebbiolo’s structure and Preda’s elegant terroir.
Sommelier Insights
Nebbiolo—the grape behind Barolo—is thin-skinned but complex, producing wines with high acidity and age-worthy tannins. Barolo is renowned for evolving over decades, gaining notes of roses, truffles, and leather with time. The 2016 vintage, praised by Kerin O’Keefe and other critics, stands out for its balance, finesse, and bright, fragrant fruit. Compared to 2015 and 2017, 2016 offers more structure, elegance, and approachability while retaining exceptional aging potential, easily maturing through 2035–2040.
Food Pairing
- Braised meats, like osso buco or lamb shanks
- Truffle-forward dishes and risottos
- Hearty pastas with ragù or porcini mushrooms
- Aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Decanting is recommended to highlight aromatic depth
Why You’ll Love It
The 2016 Cascina Adelaide Preda Barolo is a quintessential expression of Barolo’s nobility—structured yet approachable, complex yet balanced. A single-vineyard Nebbiolo from one of Barolo’s standout recent vintages, it’s perfect for collectors, special occasions, or anyone looking to experience the elegance of Barolo at its best.
