At a glance

Producer

Elio Grasso

Region

Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Barbera

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$26–$38 USD (75cl bottle, as of 2024, ex-tax retail average)

Tasting profile

Intense ruby color. Aromas of black cherry, red currant, fresh plum, violets, and a touch of underbrush and spice. The palate is juicy, medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and a savory mineral undertone from the Ginestra vineyard's chalky soils.

Evolution: With 2–5 years more bottle age, expect dark berry fruit to become more compote-like, added notes of earth, dried herbs, balsamic and subtle tobacco as primary fruit begins to soften; texture becomes rounder.

At peak: At peak, harmonious balance of fresh fruit and emerging savory/earthy secondary notes; palate will feel softer, rounder, with persistent minerality and juicy acidity.

Structure

Acidity

High natural acidity, lively and refreshing, drives aging capacity and food-friendliness

Tannins

Supple and moderate; Barbera’s naturally low tannins are well-integrated but support structure due to top vineyard site and attentive winemaking

Alcohol

Moderate to moderately high (14–14.5% typical), currently well-integrated with no heat

Aging potential

5–8 years from vintage; best enjoyed before 2030

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2026

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Ready to drink, though can benefit from short-term cellaring

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, showing integrated fruit and balanced acidity; secondary complexity just beginning

The 2024–2026 window is considered peak because primary fruit flavors remain vivid, while the wine is beginning to show the complexity and integration from modest bottle age. By this time, acidity and tannins are balanced, and the wine delivers both freshness and emerging savory notes characteristic of high-quality Barbera from Ginestra. After 2026, the risk is increasing oxidation, softer acidity, and diminished fruit, reducing vibrancy and focus.

Food pairing

Classic Piedmontese pairings: tajarin pasta with ragù, roast pork, veal tonnato, grilled sausages, stuffed peppers, mushroom risotto, and mature cow’s milk cheeses. At peak, richer braises, wild mushroom dishes, and game birds pair even better as the wine gains savory notes.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Low-intervention farming, limited pesticide/herbicide use, manual harvest, soil preservation

Elio Grasso’s focus on vineyard health and minimal intervention enhances biodiversity and soil quality. While not fully certified organic or carbon neutral, the estate upholds many sustainable practices, keeping impact lower than industrial norms.