Elio Grasso - "Vigna Martina" Barbera d'Alba 2023

According to Gianluca Grasso, it’s all about the soil. He insists that the winemaking has minimal effect; it’s that sandy, calcareous soil of Monforte that is responsible for his world-class wines. He may be a bit humble-- it takes a steady hand to tame this wild fruit. Winemaking techniques certainly run the gamut in Barolo — from fleshy, dark, modern-style wines to more aromatically-driven, earthy, tannic examples. Often, the best wines are somewhere in the middle, and no producer in the region seems to find a better marriage of elegant aromatics and lush, powerful fruit than Gianluca and his father Elio.

Grasso's Vigna Martina is made from 100% Barbera grown on sandy, limestone soils at an altitude of 380 meters. The wine is fermented all in stainless steel tanks, then aged in French barriques followed by at least 8 months in bottle before release. The wine is powerfully aromatic with great elegance, precision and depth on the palate. Delicious to drink now, this Barbera will age gracefully for 10 years or more. Enjoy with red meats, pasta, and mushroom dishes.