Castello di Gabiano - Barbera D'ASTI "La Braja" 2017 ~ Piedmont, Italy

91/100 James Suckling (2015 Vintage)
88/100 Wine Enthusiast (2013 Vintage)

The Winemaker “Deep ruby with violet shades. Primary red fruit notes, followed by light spices and tobacco fragrances are balanced with soft tannins and a medium finish. This wine pairs well with salami, roast chicken and game, mushroom dishes, and medium-aged cheese.”

Kerin O'Keefe "Dark berry, red-plum and cooking spice aromas emerge from the glass. The chewy palate offers dried black cherry, black pepper and star anise alongside pliant tannins." (2013 Vintage)

While we do not yet have critic reviews for this 2017 vintage, previous vintages – such as the 2015 – have scored very well.

The Monferrato appellation is a hilly area situated between the Po and Tanaro rivers, boarding the Apennine Mountains. An ancient winemaking region dating back to 1200 BC, this was a prized production area for the Roman Empire. The Castello di Gabiano estate has been producing wine for just as long, with natural cellars dug into rock, which are still in use today.

Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno, the last Marquis of Gabiano, and his wife, Emanuela, manage the estate and specialise in the Barbera grape. Best-known for its starring role in Piedmont's Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti wines, Barbera is a northern Italian grape producing fresh, light-bodied red wines with low tannins. Alongside Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, it is synonymous with Piedmont.

85% Barbera, 10% Freisa, 5% Grignolino