While undoubtedly tasting the headlining wines of an estate can be the most exciting, it is the more humble wines which can sometimes be the most rewarding. Such tastings can prove just how capable a winemaker is whilst working on various sites and with differing varieties. A case in point is certainly the wines of the Elio Grasso estate in Piemonte.
Few wine buying visits are as pleasurable as a tasting at the Grasso estate in Monforte d’Alba. Not only does this estate boast a stunning panorama towards Serralunga d’Alba, but the quality of the wines here is so consistent that it never disappoints. While the Barolo command the headlines at this address, the Grasso family also produce some of the finest Nebbiolo Langhe and Dolcetto. These are, quite frankly, a steal in terms of quality, class and price. Here, we offer the 2017 Dolcetto dei Grassi at £80 per six bottle case in bond and the 2017 Nebbiolo Gavarini at £90 per six bottle case in bond.
Today the estate is run by Gianluca Grasso, 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 here; above all, 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.
We include our notes below and delivery will be available from mid-October.
2017 Dolcetto dei Grassi, Elio Grasso at £80 per six bottle case in bond
As ever, the selection process for this wine is as strict as for any other and Gianluca Grasso goes the extra mile to ensure that just the very best fruit makes it into this wine. This is a charming Dolcetto, layered in the glass. Beautifully inky, purple in hue, it is brimming with ripe dark cherry and damson, with a touch of sweet spice on the finish. An intensely more-ish Dolcetto. Drink 2018 to 2021.
2017 Nebbiolo Gavarini, Elio Grasso at £90 per six bottle case in bond
From the younger Nebbiolo vines within the Gavarini vineyard, the Grasso family produce this enticing Nebbiolo. Perfumed and aromatic with red cherry and violet on the nose. The elegance and softeness of the palate is met by a welcomed tension. The purity of fruit and impressive length on this Langhe Nebbiolo is what impresses year after year, after year. Drink 2018-2021
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