Elio Grasso ELIO GRASSO Barolo Gavarini Chiniera 2021

Description

Barolo “Gavarini Chiniera” is the flagship label and the conceptual heart of Elio Grasso, one of the most prestigious, consistent, and rigorous estates in Monforte d’Alba. The winery’s modern legacy was cemented in the early 1980s when Elio Grasso—today joined by his son Gianluca—decided to vinify and bottle his estate vineyards separately, driven by the conviction that great Barolo is born solely from the unbreakable bond between the grape variety and its single terroir. The estate’s philosophy translates into meticulous vineyard management and a deep reverence for Langa traditions, rejecting any winemaking shortcuts to fully unveil the pure expression of Nebbiolo.

This extraordinary Barolo originates entirely from the Gavarini cru, specifically from the sub-parcel known as Chiniera, situated at an altitude of 350–400 meters above sea level with a magnificent South and South-East exposure. The vineyard, planted on dizzying slopes, is characterized by a unique soil profile within Monforte: a calcareous terrain particularly rich in loose marine sands, marly and low in clay. This breezy microclimate and well-drained soil structure encourage the roots to dig deep, imbuing the grapes with vibrant freshness and remarkable aromatic complexity. Compared to the typical, austere power of Monforte d’Alba, the “Gavarini Chiniera” has historically stood out for its innate breeding, striking a balance of aromatic refinement, supple grace, and an old-school, vertical drive.

In the cellar, Gianluca Grasso oversees a classic, precise winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with daily pump-overs and a skin maceration lasting about 15 days. Consistent with the goal of preserving the integrity of the fruit and the vineyard’s savory mineral signature, aging is carried out strictly in large 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks for 24 months, followed by an additional 12 months of cellaring in the bottle before release. The result is a monumental yet incredibly graceful Barolo, marked by notes of small red berries, crushed rose petals, licorice, and noble spices, all supported by a dense, velvety tannic weave and a persistent, balsamic finish.