From: Asti, Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Grignolino
Tasting Notes: Aromas of cranberry, wild strawberry, rose, and autumnal spice, lead to a dry, light-bodied palate. Dominant bright red fruit flavors mingle with rose hip and dustings of white pepper and umami, leading to a mouth-watering finish with balanced, refined tannins on this gorgeous, chillable red.
Pairing: Despite the light color, but thanks to its tannic structure, Grignolino is a very good match for a wide range of dishes: from pasta dishes with tomato sauces, pizzas, light cheeses and charcuteries to grilled meats and fish, vegetarian dishes, and sushi. We recommend dishes like poached salmon, simple risotto with fresh herbs, a classic roasted chicken, or anything with mushrooms! We’d recommend Florence Fabricant’s recipe for Striped Bass all’Amatriciana.
About. Many thanks to the importer, Grape Expectations, for the following information.
The history of the Monferrato area and that of Marchesi Incisa della Rochetta, a family whose origins date back to before the eleventh century, are very closely linked. For centuries, their family has owned vineyards and produced its own wine, an activity most likely started by the Benedictine monks, who were given the right, by the family, to plant vines in the hills of their property in Rocchetta Tanaro. You can still see traces of their presence in the Saint’Emiliano votive chapel, which stands in their vineyard bearing the very same name, still owned by the family after so many centuries.
Now, all Marchesi Incisa della Rochetta wines are vinified at La Corte Chiusa, the family’s beautifully restored estate in the village of Rocchetta Tanaro, prestigious for Barbera wine. Marchesa Barbara Incisa renovated this family’s one-time farmhouse, built by her grandfather, into a wine-making facility, tasting room and barriquerie. All the renovations were completed between 1991 and 1994. All important phases of winemaking take place here; from de-stemming the grapes, grape pressing and fermenting of the must, to malolactic fermentation, barrel aging and bottling of the wines. In collaboration with Dr. Donato Lanati, the brilliant and highly respected Piemontese enologist, each phase of production is carefully controlled to ensure the highest quality.
The production focuses on Barbera, Grignolino, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Grignolino is a very old grape variety from Piedmont, grown and vinified since the Middle Ages. It derives its name from the Piemontese dialect word, “grignole,’ which means grape seeds, because it naturally has a lot of these seeds, responsible for great tannic structure. You will at first be puzzled by this wine’s color, similar to that of a rose wine. Despite its light red hue, this wine reveals great structure, a delicate dryness and a long pleasant finish. Due to its uncompromising personality Grignolino has been referred to as the “anarchic prince of Piedmont.”
The 2021 Marchesi Incise della Rocchetta Grignolino d’Asti come from the winery’s “Garbera” vineyard situated in a prominent position on the hills surrounding the village of Rocchetta Tanaro in Monferrato. The grapes are softly pressed and the soaking time during maceration is kept very short (4 to 6 days) in order to limit the tannins in the wine. The alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature. The malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously or is induced at a controlled temperature.
