Recap: The Elio Grasso Tasting & Dinner

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Yesterday evening Atlas' hosted a Tasting and Dinner with Gianluca Grasso, of Elio Grasso at Theo Randall. 

Today, the Elio Grasso estate is run by Gianluca , who has taken over the day-to-day running and winemaking from his father Elio, after completing his studies at the oenological school in Alba. There is no great secret to the quality of the wines here. Yes, the Barolo vineyards, the Cru of Gavarini and Ginestra, are outstanding sites on which to grow high-class Nebbiolo: both are south-facing, spanning at 300-400 metres of altitude, with a little more clay in Ginestra and a little more sand in Gavarini over the limestone base. Above all, however, it is a meticulous attention to detail that maintains the quality of the wines. This is something of a Grasso character trait and it underwrites the family’s firm belief that ‘wine is made in the vineyard’.  Since Gianluca assumed winemaking responsibilities, quality has been propelled further; that same meticulous attention he employs in the cellars also ensures that the fruit is handled sensitively and none of its potential is lost.

The wines that Simon and Gianluca selected allowed for a fascinating comparison between the two Barolo, namely Vigna Chiniera and Casa Maté in three outstanding vintages (2012, 2013 and 2001) as well as the Riserva Rüncot in 2010 and 2001.  While the Barolo undoubtedly command the headlines at this estate, the Grasso family produce some first-rate Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, all of which were on show. The full line-up was as follows: 

Tasting
Nebbiolo Gavarini Langhe, Piedmont 2016
Barolo, Gavarini Vigna Chiniera 2012
Barolo, Ginestra Vigna Casa Maté 2012
Barolo, Gavarini Vigna Chiniera 2013
Barolo, Ginestra Vigna Casa Maté 2013
Barolo Riserva Rüncot 2010

Wines Paired with Dinner
Dolcetto d'Alba dei Grassi, Piemonte 2016
Vigna Martina Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont 2015
Barolo, Gavarini Vigna Chiniera 2001
Barolo, Ginestra Vigna Casa Maté 2001
Barolo Riserva Rüncot 2001