Exploring Piedmont: Monferrato, a sea of Barbera

2003 Tenuta Grillo “Igiea” Barbera d’Asti DOC Guido and Igiea Zampaglione are working with an extremely “hands-off” philosophy from vineyards to winery. The result of this very artisanal approach is wines with complex, oxidative qualities beyond simple sweet fruit and oak. Even in a notoriously hot vintage like 2003, Guido’s barbera avoids over ripeness. Instead, the terroir shines through along with some meaty, leathery notes, drying red fruits and something vegetal. It’s complex and yet ultra gluggable, with a savory finish and tannins and acidity still going strong. There’s life in this beauty yet.

By Palate Press, the online wine magazine