Producer | Elio Grasso |
Country | Italy |
Region | Piedmont |
Varietal | Nebbiolo |
Vintage | 2017 |
Sku | 2885 |
Size | 750ml |
Currently the Elio Grasso estate has a productive vineyard holding of 18 hectares. The cellar uses only estate-grown grapes from varieties traditionally grown in the Langhe hill country near Alba. Their cellar vinifies only estate-grown grapes. The classic Nebbiolo that has been cultivated in the area since the early 20th century has been joined by Dolcetto and Barbera planted in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The family takes great pride in being considered farmers first and winemakers second. The Vigna Chiniera is 100% Nebbiolo and traditional in style having been aged in Slavonian oak. A beautiul and amazing representation of a true Barolo."
The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate has a slightly darker profile of licorice black cherry and wood spice
The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is a dark mysterious wine. Black cherry menthol tobacco licorice spice new leather and pine meld together in a super-classic expression of Ginestra. Deep rich and enveloping the 2017 is so impressive in the early going. Here too the finesse of the tannins is remarkable.
Soils in the Ginestra vineyard show more moisture-retaining clay in their composition making them better positioned to handle hot and dry vintages such as this. The Elio Grasso 2017 Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté reveals soft concentration and extra richness; however the aromatic nuances are well intact. I recall that the previous 2016 vintage took longer to come into focus whereas this 2017 expression is open-knit and immediately accessible. The fruit is front and center and the wine slides over the palate with a silky texture. Managing the tannins in 2017 was not easy but this wine proves that lasting balance is not out of reach. Gianluca Grasso submitted only his 2017 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera and 2017 Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté for review at this time. The 2015 Barolo Riserva Rüncot won't be released until next year and his 2020 Dolcetto d'Alba and 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo had not been bottled in time for my tasting. I'll be sure to publish reviews of those wines as soon as they are ready.