Elio Grasso Barbera

The man is a legend in the Langa Albese winemaking region. His wines are splendid, and he has the attitude that every winemaker should have, that one should make wines that they not only enjoy, but love. And that is why Elio Grasso is one of our favourite winemakers. He keeps it small and simple at only 14 hectares, and has been known to skip vintages if he felt it had not come out right.

The other night I had the pleasure of drinking his 2003 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Martina, a truly exceptional vintage. Many folks think that Barbera is the wine that is drunk "while waiting for the Barolo to be ready". I could not disagree more. It definitely holds its own in Piedmont, possibly the most important winemaking region in the world. This particular wine derives from grapes grown on 2.2 hectares of land on Mr Grasso's estate. The first vines were planted about 15 years ago. These babies are plucked from the wine during the first week of September, and then left in Inox steel vats for 12 to 15 days. Once fermented, they are transferred to French oak for a year and then aged an additional 8 months in the bottle before being brought to the market.

This is a very deep violet red wine, with spicy nose. I was able to detect mould, cedar, a slightness of cherry. Swishing it around, I noticed its appealing film residue left on the side of the glass. Then, the moment of truth. Touched the tongue delicately, moved its way around until it found the more welcoming taste buds, and then went on to leave a pleasant mark, which is of course the "finish" in winespeak. In the Piedmontese fashion, we enjoyed it with fresh homemade egg pasta tagliatelle with fresh porcini mushroom cream sauce. Almost perfect, although I might consider drinking it with something a little less aggressive on the palate next time.

Available for purchase on our website for €22,90

A Southern Barbera

We all know and love the Barbera varietal, and we also know that The Roman Wine Company loves to seek out "out of the ordinary" wines. Now, you're probably thinking, what is so out of the ordinary about Barbera? When someone hands you a glass of a a Piedmont grown and vinified Barbera, you would think nothing of it. Unless it is exceptional. Ciabrelli took Barbera out of its native home in northern Italy, brought it down south to Campania and planted it on their vineyard in Castelvenere. The results were quite pleasing. The lovely film on the side of the glass indicates a very "present" wine, no dripping back down, no "legs". The reflection was a deep red distinct inkiness. It emits a refreshing peppermint scent, with a tinge of spiciness. The nose softens a bit as the wine is left to decant (in the glass). In the mouth, there is an initial "hotness" that is true to its peppermint nose. As an added treat, the bottle has a curious looking nobleman on the label. The wine went exceptionally well with fresh chicken breast rolled with ham, cheese, and sage over a bed of roasted potatoes, garlic, and rosemary. We would suggest that it be drunk with chicken or pork dishes that aren't particularly heavy, because it needs to be given the opportunity to "hold its own" on you palate. The best part about this wine is its price, €9.60! We suggest that you grab a few bottles while supplies last.