The Grasso family has been producing wine since 1927, but Federico Grasso only started bottling in 1980, and has "produced a bevy of sensational efforts over recent vintages" (Wine Advocate). His sophisticated, modern Barolos are particularly notable for avoiding excessive wood aromas; to this end, Grasso prefers to use large barrels rather than barriques for maturation, and uses less than 30% new wood even on his single-vineyard bottlings. The "Bricco Luciani", which is located just above the "Gancia" vineyard, is soft, generous, classic La Morra, while the "Ciabot Manzoni" was described as "Godzilla-like" by the Wine Advocate, "multidimensional, compelling/prodigious... gigantic in scope and stature."Dolcetto and Langhe Nebbiolo also exhibit exceptional lushness and ripeness, with superb purity of flavors and aromas, without wood aging.
Vineyard Management: At the estate "natural agriculture" is carried out. Integrated insect and disease control is carried out. Sulfur-and copper-based products are used. Only organic fertilizers are used (the Insieme Group financed a cattle farm also for the production of manure). Spontaneous cover crops (sometimes specific crops are sown) are left between the rows of vines, the grass is mowed and the soil is occasionally tilled (the turf is mainly left in place). Very careful use of SO2 in the wines.
Farming Practice:Practicing Organic
James Suckling 93 "Attractive, fragrant roses, wild raspberries and red cherries here, with immediately appealing freshness. Leafy nuances. The palate arrives with good clarity of succulent
James Suckling 92 "A dense and decadent wine with dried meat, ripe berry and walnut character plus hints of leaf. Full-bodied, round and chewy yet savory
Robert Parker 89 "The 2003 Barolo Bricco Luciani is a strong effort. It is at once sweeter and ampler than the normale, but also comes across
Stephen Tanzer 91 "Good dark red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, cedar, mocha, truffle and caramel. Sweet, rich, fat and very ripe, but showing more clarity of
James Suckling 94 "This is deep and rich with dried berries and cherries on the nose and palate with dried berry, mineral and floral character. It’s
Wine Spectator 94 "Plum, prune and bark aromas turn to raisin. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful, with big tannins and lots of concentration. Best after 2012. 850
Wine Spectator 94 "Aromas of licorice, blackberry and espresso bean follow through to a full-bodied palate, with slightly raisiny flavors and big, velvety tannins. Long and
Wine Spectator 93 "Very ripe plum aromas turn to a slightly raisiny undertone. Full-bodied, very thick and chewy, yet polished and velvety-textured. Big and rich, with
Wine Spectator 92 "Aromas of blackberries with plums and dried fruits follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. This
Robert Parker 92 "Alessio Grasso was already making fine Barolo towards the end of the 1980's, but the wines of the past five years have taken
Wine Spectator 94 "Very rich and powerful, with amazing aromas of rose and blackberry. Full and very rich, with round tannins and a long, bright finish.
Robert Parker 94 "The 2007 Barolo Bricco Luciani is one of the most beautiful wines I have tasted here in quite some time. Dark berries, flowers,
Wine Advocate 92 "The 2009 Barolo shows the powerful side of the vintage with a brooding, dark color and lively aromas of cassis, forest fruit, anise,
"A library release from one of the great names in Barolo. This is drinking just beautifully now! Gorgeous aromas of ripe strawberry, violets, mushroom, and
Wine Spectator 95 "Lushly textured and vibrant, this delivers cherry, licorice, leather and spice aromas and flavors. Intense yet sleek, this is balanced, remaining persistent and
THE WINE 100% Nebbiolo grown in calcareous clay soils in La Morra. Traditional maceration with the skins for 40 days in steel with indigenous yeasts, maturation
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