2021 Fratelli Grasso Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Crafted from estate-grown fruit in the Alba zone of Piedmont, this Barbera reflects the sunny 2021 vintage with expressive fruit and polished structure. The vineyards sit on calcareous clay soils at moderate elevations, giving the wine both ripeness and lift.

Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, preserving the grape's bright aromatics and lively acidity. A brief aging period in large neutral barrels allows the wine to soften without masking its fruit-driven personality. Notes of Morello cherry, red currant, and a touch of baking spice unfold on a medium-bodied frame, with mouthwatering acidity and a clean, mineral-tinged finish.

A natural companion to traditional Piedmontese dishes—think tajarin with ragù, roast pork, or aged cheeses—it also shines with pizza, grilled vegetables, or tomato-based pastas.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The Grasso brothers have been making wine since before they founded the Azienda Agricola in 1970. They have been farming the same land and making wine from that land non-stop for 50 years! Nothing seems more traditional or wholesome than joining them for a walk through their vineyards. The vineyards are right out the back door and adjacent to the winery converted from the old family barn. Even though they don’t speak any English, their infectious smiles and easy-going nature make one feel right at home. With large Slavonian oak barrels that average 45 years of age, very little has changed in their approach for the last half a century. The largest portion of their land holdings comes from the Vallegrande cru which runs from the bottom of the hill at 900 ft asl., up to 1300 feet at the crown of the hill. Here Alfredo and Luigi make their flagship wine with a minimum of 30 months (up to 48 months) of aging in the large old barrels.

The Barbaresco region is often times referred to as the ‘Queen’ of the Nebbiolo grape because the wines tend to be more elegant than their neighboring Barolo (The King). Barbaresco is a third the size of Barolo and received DOC status in 1966 and later DOCG status (Italy’s highest designation) in 1980.