Grignolino d'Asti 'Margherita Barbero' Luigi Spertino 2023

The Grignolino d'Asti “Margherita Barbero” by Luigi Spertino is one of the most engaging and emotional expressions of the famous Piedmontese grape variety. What a story that of Luigi Spertino, a nearly 90-year-old artisan winemaker who attentively oversees the work of his son Mauro, now at the helm of the winery. The belief, which remains in the new generation, has always been to bottle territorial and genuine liquids, striving to bring out the best from vineyard and territory, unafraid to experiment while at the same time preserving the local winemaking tradition. The cultivated grape varieties are typically local ones such as Cortese, Barbera, and Grignolino along with a bit of Pinot Nero, the latter planted more recently. Human interventions are kept to the strict minimum, allowing for the bottling of liquids with great expressiveness and straightforwardness, never simple or banal.

The “Margherita Barbero” is made from pure Grignolino grapes, sourced from two beautiful parcels located respectively in Mombercelli and Portocomaro. Maximum respect for the vineyard and grapes, which are strictly hand-picked, precede an equally meticulous work in the cellar where alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously in steel containers. Subsequently, it ages in terracotta amphorae for 12 months.

The “Margherita Barbero” Grignolino presents itself in the glass with its typical light red color tending towards pink. Complex and refined nose, almost intangible, made of dog rose, black pepper, and crunchy small red fruits. With aeration, the wine further gains complexity and definition, making it impossible to resist tasting. Deep and smooth sip, a constant dialogue between freshness, spices, and bouquets of flowers, with a compulsive drinkability. A true delight.