2013 Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato, Chi Ca Vota, Laiolo Reginin, Piedmont, Italy

Laiolo Reginin

Laiolo Reginin is a producer of principally Barbera d’Asti wines located in the Asti village of Vinchio in Piedmont; at circa 350 metres above sea level in the heart of the Barbera wine zone.

Instead of servicing the local market, as the locals prefer to do, Paolo & Anna set their sights on greater things, supplying Lauda Air for several years!

They tend 7 hectares of vines that lie on a fine tilth of yellow sand, tufo (limestone sand) and heavier red clay & sand; they also bought 3 hectares of woodland to offset their carbon footprint, which serves as a source of the prized tartufo bianco!
Gianpaolo & Annalisa's philosophy is one of minimal impact on the environment. They don’t use artificial fertilisers as this, Gianpaolo explains, only serves to produce bigger, swollen berries.

Vinification is done predominantly in stainless-steel to accentuate the bright fruit expression. Production is currently limited to a few thousand bottles of each wine as the cantina grows.

Their cantina is the only bottler of Barbera wines grown in the village of Vinchio; their neighbours preferring to sell to the cooperative.

Barbera d'Asti

Barbera is a red wine grape variety native to the Piedmont region of Italy, particularly prominent in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria. It is one of Italy's most widely planted grape varieties, prized for its high yields, adaptability to various soil types, and ability to retain acidity even in warm climates. The Barbera grape typically produces wines with bright acidity, moderate tannins, and deep color, making it a versatile choice for winemakers.

In terms of flavour profile, Barbera wines often showcase a spectrum of red and black fruit flavors, such as cherry, raspberry, plum, and blackberry, along with hints of spice, licorice, and sometimes floral notes. The acidity in Barbera wines provides freshness and structure, balancing the fruitiness and contributing to their food-friendly nature.

Barbera is known for its approachability and versatility, as it can be crafted into a range of styles, from light and fruity wines for immediate enjoyment to more complex and age-worthy expressions. While Barbera wines are commonly enjoyed young for their vibrant fruitiness, some producers also age them in oak barrels to impart additional layers of complexity and texture.

Overall, Barbera is cherished by wine enthusiasts for its reliable quality, food-pairing versatility, and the wide array of expressions it offers, ranging from easy-drinking everyday wines to more profound and cellar-worthy bottlings.

Cortese

This white grape produces wines in the appellations of Cortese dell'Alto Monferrato, Colli Tortonesi as well as the DOCG wine of Gavi di Gavi. Cortese is a native grape variety of Alessandria in Piedmont and tends to perform best in the hills between Novi and Tortona in Piedmont. The grape has been so successful in Gavi (which is located in the south of Piedmont close to Liguria) that it is known there as Cortese di Gavi.

Typically produces wines that are pale lemon-white in colour, possess a fine fragrance and are steely and dry on the palate. The best examples can develop an intense honeyed richness with medium term ageing.