Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté, Elio Grasso 2019

Very different from the Gavarini Chiniera, the 2019 Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté shows more bite, structure and a bigger tannic impact. Fruit was harvested a bit earlier, but healthy grape skins allowed for 52 days of maceration. This wine shows beautiful intensity and fullness with dark fruit, earth, hazelnut and dark plum. Surrounded by forests, the greenery gives balance to this wine by moderating temperatures. In fact, this site saw up to 10 degrees Celsius drops in diurnal temperatures, leading to thick skins and ideal phenolic ripeness. 2025-2055

Vintner Gianluca Grasso of the Elio Grasso winery describes 2019 as "a vintage for cru wines." Phenolic, sugar ripeness and all the necessary elements fell naturally into place. The stems were mature, and seed color had turned brown by harvest, as desired. Nebbiolo was picked during the second to the last week of October.

Monforte d’Alba. Lustrous ruby. Attractive, sweetly oaked red-fruit nose with a savoury gingerbread hint. Lithe raspberry fruit meets oak. Juicy finish with clayey tannins. Skilfully made, even if the oak will not be to everyone’s liking. Drink 2023 – 2036