Elio, Grasso Gavarini Chiniera Barolo 2021

Elio Grasso’s Barolo Gavarini Chiniera 2021 is a deep, powerful expression of Nebbiolo from one of Monforte d’Alba’s most celebrated crus. Typically known for its linear, racy profile, Gavarini Chiniera in 2021 shows an extra dimension of textural depth that perfectly reflects this remarkable vintage. Iron, chalk, dried flowers, mint and vivid red cherry fruit build in intensity, delivering a Barolo that is both explosive and finely tuned, as noted by Antonio Galloni in early 2025.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Gavarini Chiniera Barolo shows a vibrant, translucent garnet core with brick-tinged edges, a classic hue for young Nebbiolo. The nose is pure and lifted, with aromas of red cherry and wild raspberry layered over notes of dried rose petals, violets, blood orange peel and subtle hints of iron, chalk dust, mint and liquorice. As it opens, more savoury tones emerge – dried herbs, tea leaves and a faint, earthy minerality. On the palate, this Barolo is potent yet impeccably focused, with that extra “kick” of texture that defines the vintage. The attack is bright and red-fruited, followed by a core of ripe but tightly coiled cherry and pomegranate wrapped in firm, finely etched tannins. A distinct mineral line – iron and crushed rock – runs through the mid-palate, adding tension and precision. The finish is long, mouthwatering and energetic, with lingering notes of dried flowers, mint and citrus peel. This is a wine built for the cellar: while it can be approached after several hours in a decanter, optimal drinking will be from around 2029 onward, with potential to age gracefully for 20+ years.

Production
Gavarini Chiniera is a single-vineyard Barolo from Monforte d’Alba, in the heart of Piedmont, planted on steep, south and south-east facing slopes at higher elevations. The soils here are predominantly sandy-limestone with veins of chalk and clay, giving the wine its signature tension, perfume and mineral backbone. Nebbiolo grapes are carefully harvested by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters make it to the cellar. Elio Grasso follows a traditional yet meticulously controlled approach to vinification: after gentle crushing and destemming, the must undergoes a long maceration on the skins, with regular pump-overs to extract colour, aroma and fine-grained tannins. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, after which the wine is aged for an extended period in large Slavonian oak botti, preserving purity of fruit while allowing the structure to harmonise slowly over time before bottling.

Food & Serving
This Barolo’s combination of power, structure and aromatic lift makes it an excellent partner to rich, savoury dishes. Think classic Piedmontese cuisine such as braised veal shank, brasato al Barolo, truffle risotto, tajarin with porcini mushrooms, or roasted game birds. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Pecorino, and with earthy dishes based on wild mushrooms or root vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Nebbiolo stems to allow full aromatic expression. For current drinking, decant for 2–3 hours to soften the tannins and let the bouquet unfurl; older bottles will need a gentler, shorter decant to separate from any sediment.

Producer
Elio Grasso is one of Barolo’s benchmark family estates, based in Monforte d’Alba and renowned for its pure, vineyard-focused expressions of Nebbiolo. Established in the mid-20th century, the winery gained international recognition from the 1980s onward, when Elio Grasso began bottling Barolo from individual crus such as Ginestra Casa Matè and Gavarini Chiniera – a pioneering emphasis on terroir in the region. Today, the estate is celebrated for its classical style: meticulous vineyard work, low yields and a strong respect for tradition yield wines of clarity, structure and longevity. Consistently praised by leading critics, Elio Grasso holds a prominent place among the top producers of Monforte and is considered a reference point for serious, ageworthy Barolo.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.