About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the Cascina Sterpone vineyard in Mango, at 300 m above sea level. The site has a northeastern exposure and limestone soils. The vines average 25–30 years old.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand in late September. Fermentation takes place for 15 days in stainless-steel vats at a controlled temperature of 32 °C.
Ageing
The wine matures for 15–18 months in new French barrels, followed by 12 months in bottle in the winery’s cellars.
Tasting profile
Powerful and Burgundian in style, with engaging tannins, soft fruit flavours and a refined, elegant finish.
Label / history
Nej means “black” in the Piedmontese dialect, referring to Pinot Nero.
Icardi was founded in 1914 and is based in Asti, on the border between Langhe and Monferrato. Claudio Icardi continued his father’s work and expanded the estate to 75 ha of vineyards around the winery and in several municipalities across Langhe and Monferrato. After identifying the vineyards’ distinctive qualities, he began bottling wines under the Icardi name; until the 1960s, his father had sold the estate’s grapes to winemaking companies. Claudio now runs the estate with his sister, Mariagrazia.
