Elio, Grasso Ginestra Casa Mate Barolo 2017

Elio Grasso Ginestra Casa Maté Barolo 2017 is a poised, single-vineyard Barolo that combines the warmth of the vintage with the precision and elegance for which this estate is renowned. Sourced from the revered Ginestra cru in Monforte d’Alba, it delivers a generous, fruit-forward expression that remains firmly rooted in classic Barolo structure. This is a wine for those who appreciate Nebbiolo’s power, but also want immediate approachability and silkier contours in their glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Ginestra Casa Maté shows a deep garnet hue with brick-tinged edges, already hinting at its development and complexity. The nose is open and expressive, with ripe red cherries and macerated strawberries layered over darker notes of plum, dried roses, violet, licorice, sweet tobacco, and hints of tar and warm spices. Subtle earthy tones, leather, and a whiff of menthol or balsamic lift add further depth as the wine opens. On the palate, this Barolo is surprisingly accessible for such a structured wine, gliding across the tongue with a silken, almost creamy texture. The concentration is ample but never heavy: red and black cherry, blood orange, and raspberry coulis are framed by fine, ripe tannins that have been beautifully managed in this challenging vintage. Notes of anise, cocoa, and savory herbs play through the long, persistent finish. While already approachable and enjoyable now with aeration, it has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully in bottle for 10–15 years, gaining more tertiary nuances of truffle, dried flowers, and forest floor over time.

Production
Ginestra Casa Maté is a steep, south- to southeast-facing cru in Monforte d’Alba, known for its calcareous-clay soils and excellent drainage—conditions that naturally favor Nebbiolo’s intensity and aromatic complexity. Elio Grasso farms these vineyards with meticulous, low-yield practices, harvesting by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters are selected, an especially crucial factor in the warm 2017 vintage. After a careful sorting, the Nebbiolo grapes undergo a traditional vinification with extended maceration on the skins to extract color, aroma, and tannin, followed by aging in large oak vessels (botti) that respect the purity of the fruit and terroir. The result is a wine that reflects its site with clarity while achieving remarkable balance and finesse, even in a more concentrated year.

Food & Serving
This Barolo is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes that can stand up to Nebbiolo’s structure and aromatic complexity. Think braised beef or veal, osso buco, slow-cooked lamb shanks, truffle-laced pasta or risotto, game birds, and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. It also works beautifully with mushroom-based dishes and refined, earthy cuisine from the Piedmontese tradition. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F) and, for optimal expression, decant the wine for 1–2 hours if drinking in its youth to soften the tannins and let the bouquet fully blossom.

Producer
Elio Grasso is one of the benchmark producers of Monforte d’Alba and a key name in the modern history of Barolo. Founded as a small family estate and elevated to international renown under Elio Grasso’s stewardship, the winery has built its reputation on meticulous vineyard work and a terroir-driven approach, long before single-cru bottlings became the norm. With prime holdings in crus such as Ginestra and Gavarini, the estate has consistently produced Baroli that are both powerful and refined, earning top scores and a loyal following among collectors. Today, Elio Grasso stands as a reference point for wines that marry traditional Barolo character with clarity, precision, and a deep respect for the unique identity of each vineyard site.

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