2019 Cascina Valle Asinari Rosso Monferrato ‘Ciuchino’

This is an organically farmed blend of Barbera, Cabernet and Merlot from estate vineyards on sandy soils. The three varietals are fermented separately with native yeasts in concrete. Aged for a year in concrete before blending and bottling. Cascina Valle Asinari is a historic wine estate located in San Marzano Oliveto within the Monferrato hills of Asti, renowned for its premium Barbera and Nizza DOCG wines. The estate dates back centuries, likely once farmed by the historic Asinari family (asinari = donkey wranglers!), but its modern rebirth came in 2016. This blend is rich, deep, dense and concentrated, yet fairly easy going and round. Plenty of ripe red berry and black fruits alongside mint, licorice, cigar box and a bit of vanilla.  Medium-plus to full bodied, with smoothed out acidity and tannin.  Feels much lighter in the mouth than the ABV on the label suggests.