# Barolo DOCG (2022)

- **Producer:** Massari San Grato
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, rose, violet, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, smoke, cedar, leather, forest floor, tobacco, tar

## About this wine

Massari San Grato, also known as Antichi Massari di San Grato, is managed by the historical Sartirano family, who represent four generations of winemaking expertise in Piedmont. The estate is situated on an elevated ridge directly above the town of Barolo, roughly three kilometers from the iconic Castello di Barolo. The name 'Massari' derives from 'Massaio', an ancient title given to respected local landowners whose finest wines were historically sought after for royal banquets. The vineyards benefit from excellent diurnal temperature shifts and mountain breezes, which help preserve the delicate aromatics of the Nebbiolo grape.

## Interesting facts

- The name Massari comes from 'Massaio', an ancient title for respected landowners whose finest wines were historically reserved for royal banquets.
- The estate's microclimate is uniquely moderated by a small natural lake, Lago della Ghercina, located adjacent to the vineyards.
- The 2022 vintage was one of the hottest on record, requiring an early harvest to preserve the grape's signature fresh acidity.

## Food pairing

High-acid, high-tannin Nebbiolo wines require rich proteins and fats to bind with the tannins and soften the palate. Earthy dishes like mushrooms and truffles mirror the wine's complex forest floor and tar notes, while slow-cooked meats with rich sauces complement its robust structure.

## Wine making process

The 2022 growing season was exceptionally hot and dry, prompting an early manual harvest of the Nebbiolo grapes to preserve freshness and acidity. Following harvest, the grapes underwent controlled fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks. In compliance with Barolo DOCG regulations, the wine was aged for a total of 38 months. This aging process included at least 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a traditional method that rounds out the grape's naturally rustic tannins without overpowering its delicate floral and red fruit characteristics with heavy oak flavors.