Region: Piedmont, Italy

Varietal: 100% Grignolino

Tasting notes: Grignolino is a rare grape variety local to the Monferrato. This light-ruby-colored red has less body than Valpane’s Barberas, but what it lacks in weight, it more than makes up for in perfume. Wild roses and white pepper soar from the glass, and it finishes with grippy, yet powdery-fine tannins. Enjoy this rosso slightly chilled with meats and cheeses, or try a Piemontese recipe for a traditional pairing.

Producer: Pietro Giuseppe Arditi began working Cantine Valpane in 1900 under a sharecropping agreement with the Fojadelli family. After the passion for his work had earned the family’s confidence, he purchased Valpane in 1902. His eldest daughter, Lydia became fascinated by his craft and began working alongside him, eventually taking over the estate. Today Lydia’s nephew, also named Pietro, runs the estate. He bursts with pride in the distinguished history of Valpane, but never takes credit personally for his wonderful wines. “People tell me I’m a great winemaker,” he says, “but the wines of Valpane have been winning awards for well over a century, so it can’t be my doing. I’m just careful not to ruin what the land gives us!”

Vineyard and Winemaking: Since 2017 all the estate’s products have organic certification, but Valpane has always been run with respect for nature and the land.  For this Grignolino, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and lasts 21-23 days. The wine is then aged 12-18 months in stainless steel and cement tanks before bottling and another 6 months in bottle before release.