TASTING AT ELIO GRASSO - Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy (10/20/2015)
Well, it feels like I’ve said this about several producer’s that we visited in Piedmont already, but this time I really, really mean it . . . Elio Grasso has one of the most picturesque and majestic settings imaginable. The winery and residence on the Monforte hillside overlooking vineyards with the village of Serralunga visible in the distance. Just a stunning view of the Langhe’s rolling hills and vineyards. The visit and tasting at Grasso is one of the most professionally done but no less engaging and authentic with Francesca from the family attending to us throughout the visit. The lineup of wines was also first class. Highly recommended.
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2014 Elio Grasso Langhe Chardonnay Educato - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
Bottled in June. Aged 50% in steel tank and 50% in barrique (half of which are new wood). Lifted and expansive aromatics of melon, pear, mineral with light barrel spice. Palate is crisp with mouthwatering acidity on entry. Medium body and focused. Wet rocks, chalky, light smoky note. Chablis-like. Good energy on the finish. (91 pts.) -
2014 Elio Grasso Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
Aged in steel tank. Grapes are all Runcot, which are being de-classified in 2014 due to the challenging vintage. Light translucent red. Nose is all about flowers and fresh cut strawberries. Picks up a sweeter, more concentrated strawberry preserves note with time. Light-to-medium bodied with fresh acidity driving the wine through to a tart, red berry finish. (90 pts.) -
2013 Elio Grasso Barbera d’Alba Vigna Martina - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d’Alba
Aged 18 months in barrique, 50% of which are new. Deep crimson color. Sweet plum and blackberry with a prominent spice kick. Palate is round and fleshy with intense and powerful fruit flavors. Fresh acid counters to provide lift and persistence. Wonderful Barbera in a fuller bodied style. (91 pts.) -
2011 Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Light garnet. Full nose is layered and complex with plum, black cherry, fresh cut herbs, clove and mint. Round and fleshy on the palate with bright acidity and refined sweet tannin. Complete wine that is drinking well already. 91-94 (92 pts.) -
2011 Elio Grasso Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Medium garnet. Full nose has a mix of red and black fruit with tar and spice notes. Full bodied palate with a more brooding personality than the Chiniera tasted side-by-side. Bigger fruit and grittier, brawnier tannin. Balanced. This is built to last. 92-95 (93 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
The Entryway Sign
The Estate Building
The Manicured Estate with Serralunga in the Distance
The Views of Monforte Vineyards with Serralunga in the Distance
Cask Room
Several Thousand Bottles of 2010 Runcot Riserva Patiently Waiting
The Lineup
