The Story
Ginestra is one of the handful of Barolo vineyards people argue about in the same breath as Cannubi and Brunate — a steep amphitheater in Monforte d'Alba that turns out some of the most powerful Nebbiolo in the Langhe. Casa Maté is Elio Grasso's parcel within it, and the wine has always been the muscular counterpart to the estate's more perfumed Gavarini Chiniera: deeper, darker, more tannic, built on a bigger frame. Gianluca Grasso keeps the winemaking traditional — long ageing in large Slavonian casks, no new-oak makeup — so what you taste is the site doing the talking. In 2019, a vintage that delivered structure and freshness in equal measure, that means dark cherry and plum, licorice, tar, dried herbs and a tannic spine you could build a house on. This is a Barolo for the patient: give it years, or give it a long decant and a very good piece of meat.
Description
Ginestra is one of the handful of Barolo vineyards people argue about in the same breath as Cannubi and Brunate — a steep amphitheater in Monforte d'Alba that turns out some of the most powerful Nebbiolo in the Langhe. Casa Maté is Elio Grasso's parcel within it, and the wine has always been the muscular counterpart to the estate's more perfumed Gavarini Chiniera: deeper, darker, more tannic, built on a bigger frame. Gianluca Grasso keeps the winemaking traditional — long ageing in large Slavonian casks, no new-oak makeup — so what you taste is the site doing the talking. In 2019, a vintage that delivered structure and freshness in equal measure, that means dark cherry and plum, licorice, tar, dried herbs and a tannic spine you could build a house on. This is a Barolo for the patient: give it years, or give it a long decant and a very good piece of meat.
