2021 La Miraja Grignolino d’Asti
2021 La Miraja Grignolino d’Asti
Region: Castagnole Monferrato > Piemonte < Italy
Grapes: Grignolino
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, calcareous red clay soil, fermented in stainless steel then aged on lees for two years in cement; bottled unfined/unfiltered with 20ppm SO2; 500 cases, 12.5% ABV
Winemaker: Eugenio Gatti
Nestled within the original castle of Castagnole Monferrato, the La Miraja estate has a captivating history. From an armory in the 11th century to a cellar in the 1400s, it now the home of La Miraja, a tiny family winery where Eugenio Gatti, a seventh-generation viticulturist, crafts lovely organic wines from Piemonte's more obscure varietals.
Like lovely light red made of Grignolino – the Piedmontese grape you’ve never heard of, but you need in your life. Historically, Grignolino was considered THE greatest red variety of Piemonte for the complexity and delicate flavors, until brasher Nebbiolo came to town and stole the show. But Grignolino's light color and elegant mouthfeel made it a sensation in earlier times, becoming the preferred grape of the Savoy aristocracy. The name "Grignolino" comes from the local dialect, referring to the multiple grape seeds within each berry -- a trait that poses quite a challenge to winemakers looking to extract vibrant color without the harsh tannins from all those seeds.
But Eugenio does this perfectly in this pretty Grignolino, which shimmers in the glass, a light garnet color so pale it could almost be mistaken for a rosé. Subtle and charming, with tart cherry and cranberry, earthy mushroom, licorice and loads of white pepper. She is serious, austere and refined, with vibrant acidity and the propensity to blossom with air, flexing her power with subtle but structured tannins and a sharp mineral edge. Kind of like the nerdy wallflower who comes back as the hottest girl at your high-school reunion. It’s a delicious wine for lighter meat dishes, and the perfect swap for Burgundy lovers looking to go Italian -- and more affordable.