GRASSO FRATELLI
Treiso CN, Italy (Piedmont)
Barbaresco Vallegrande 2015
Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo
Barbaresco is often times called the "Queen of Nebbiolo" because it is thought to be less powerful than Barolo. This wine will give Barolo a run for its money. A wine full of character that is deep in color and flavor, dark wild fruits of black cherry and cassis, with violet and rose, forest floor, spice, and tar. The 2015 shows power and richness with round tannins that are approachable and satisfying.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Luigi and Alfredo Grasso love what they do. You can tell by the way they smile and laugh all the time. They have been making wines together, none stop, for 50 years. They founded Fratelli Grasso with the family vineyards that were passed down to them in 1970. Not much has changed for them in this time. Part of the Green Experience, an organization devoted to bringing back biodiversity and soil health to the Piedmont.
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Barbaresco Vallegrande 2006
Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo
One of the real pleasures for a wine lover is being able to taste a wine in the prime of its life. The 2006 Vallegrande is exactly that. Brick to deep red in color it showcases more red fruits and flowers like red cherry and dried rose petal. The earthy, woody aromas start to reveal mushroom, and the aged tannins are long and supple with a complexity that is both immediate and lingering.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The brothers, Luigi and Alfredo, make classic Barbaresco from cru vineyards in the commune of Treiso, the area with the highest elevation in the Barbaresco DOCG. More interested in farming and making wine than in selling it, if the wines aren't ready to drink then they just hold onto it. 2006 was a controversial vintage with rain and fluctuating cold and heat spells. The old vines at Grasso produced fine wine that needed time to open.
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Barbaresco Vallegrande 2009
Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo
One of the real pleasures for a wine lover is being able to taste a wine in the prime of its life. This library release comes straight from the Grasso cellar in Treiso, Italy. Deep powerful flavors dominate this vintage with earthy undertones supported by broad tannins that are round and complex. A warmer vintage that offers a full-flavored wine with broad appeal.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The brothers, Luigi and Alfredo are more interested in the process of farming and making wine than in selling it. Lucky for us, they let us pick through their cellar to offer vintages at the peak of the maturation process. These Library releases are rare glimpses into the world of aged wine and unlock the mysteries and flavors of how the noble Nebbiolo grape can age.
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Barbaresco "Giacosa Spessa"
Giacosa MGA - Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo
Prior to 2008, the vineyard was Bricco Spessa, but since there are a many vineyards referencing “Bricco,” meaning hill top in Piedmontese, the name was officially changed to “Giacosa.” Grasso kept “Spessa” on the bottle in honor of its original name.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The Giacosa Spessa vineyard imparts more richness and strength to the wine due to the steepness of this parcel. Classic flavors of dark cherry, rose, and tar tend to have a darker, earthier expression, with a full and intense palate and finish.
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"Matiné"
Barbera d'Alba DOC
Barbera
Matiné in Piedmontese dialect means “One who awakens early to work.” Clearly this describes the two brothers, Luigi and Alfredo, who have tended these vineyards together now for more than 50 years.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Matine is made in only the best years and now designated “Riserva.” Is Always deep opaque purple, with rich and abundant black cherry and a touch of tar. The finish is complex and powerful.
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Barbaresco San Stunet
Barbaresco DOCG
Nebbiolo
San Stunet is Piedmontese dialect for Santo Stefano, Saint Stephen, for whom there is a statue next to the vineyard. This is a classic Nebbiolo that pairs very well with lamb, hard cheeses, red meats, mushroom and truffle.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Cultivated on one of the tallest hills in Barbaresco, this wine shows great energy and structure with enhanced rose, red cherry, blueberry, and plum. Savory notes of mint and leather stand out and lead to a captivating spectrum on palate and finish.
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"Trej"
Vino Rosso
70% Nebbiolo, 15% Barbera, 15% Dolcetto
"Trej" is dialect for “3.” indicating the three wines blended to make Trej, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Universally enjoyable with meats, cheese, red sauce, pasta, pizza, risotto — a perfect table wine that goes beyond Italian foods.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Designed and blended to have the structure of a Langhe Nebbiolo but with the sharp tannins smoothed over by the fruit of the Barbera and Dolcetto. This everyday style wine has an abundant of character that makes for an enjoyable and intriguing experience.
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