What I Learned
Monferrato has a long tradition of wine-making, pre-dating even the Romans. As the famous Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder noted, the Romans greatly appreciated the wine coming from the Muscat grape cultivated in the Monferrato as a varietal more resistant to cold weather.
The rise of Christianity and establishment of monastic organizations ensured that even after the fall of the Roman Empire, and especially after the barbarian invasions, the production of wine would continue in the Monferrato up until today.
Today, the Monferrato is one of the Piedmont wine production districts. The DOC system recognizes various unique varietals and some interesting wine production techniques. The wines from here are not only high quality overall, but also indigenous to this area in some cases.
Several international varietals such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Nero, and Muscat grow here; as well as Piedmont favorites such as Nebbiolo and Barbera. Then there are the lesser-known, but equally delicious Monferrato varietals. Grignolino, Freisa, and Malvasia Nero are the local red varietals. Cortese and Loazzolo are two local white varietals. Except for the Loazzolo which is often blended into a cuvee, these grapes can be produced as varietal wines for a different tasting experience unique to the land they come from, the Monferrato. The several DOC wines from these grapes include:
The Barbera del Monferrato DOC: A rich, intensely ruby-colored and flavored, dry red wine;
The Monferrato Freisa DOC: A lively, dry red wine with raspberry and floral notes;
The Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC: A uniquely Monferrato dry red wine with interesting pepper notes;
The Malvasia di Casorzo DOC: Another unique red wine with floral notes, and usually low alcohol, ideal for dessert courses;
The Piemonte Cortese DOC: A traditional dry white wine in the Piedmont, it has interesting almond notes.
What I Tasted
2016 Barbera d’Asti, Zerolengo; Barbera d’Asti DOCG; Gaudio Bricco Mondalino (Vignale Monferrato): A dry red wine with dark garnet red color; spice and dried cherry nose, with flavors of the same; medium plus tannins, with a smooth finish
2017 Barbera del Monferrato, Basciamisubito, DOC, Azienda Agricola La Scamuzza (Vignale Monferrato): A dry red wine with medium plus purple red color; slight spice nose with slight dried cherry flavors, medium tannins.
2017 Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese, DOC Il Mongetto (Vignale): A dry red wine with medium minus ruby red color; nose of spice and berry, flavors of spice, vanilla, raspberry, medium plus tannins
2015 Barbera del Monferrato, Bricco Morlantino, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG, Azienda Agricola Casalone (Lu): A dry dark red brick color; mineral (lipstick), and fruity nose; red berry and blackberry fruits, with hints of oak and vanilla; high tannins; lots of flavors as it opened up, but could still benefit from even more time
2014 Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese, DOC, Gaudio (Vignale Monferrato): A dry red wine with light ruby red color; a slight redberry and spice nose, cherry and vanilla flavors; medium tannins.