GRIGNOLINO DEL MONFERRATO
Denominazione di Origine Controllata
GRAPE VARIETY
Grignolino
TASTING NOTES
Vicara's Monferace Uccelletta Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC 2021 is the cantina's "peak" Grignolino—a rare, significant red from top vintages only, drawn from a single cru vineyard to unveil the historic Piedmontese grape's deepest, age-worthy, gastronomic potential. Reserved for enthusiasts, it symbolises Grignolino's renaissance as a serious cellar wine. This bottling hails from Bricco Uccelletta, a 1.3-hectare hilltop cru owned by the family for over 80 years, ringed by nature and birds' nests inspiring its name. Here, Grignolino roots into Monferrato Casalese hillside soils with deliberately low yields, concentrating elegance, structure, and aromatic depth. Hand-harvested grapes follow the tradition of great Monferrato reds; the 2021 Uccelletta matures 48 months total—24 in large 15 hl Austrian oak casks and 24 in bottle pre-release. The 2021 vintage brings equilibrium: classic Monferace traits enhanced by olfactory elegance, heightened minerality, harmonious build, and decisive yet integrated tannins. Uccelletta shows Grignolino's signature very pale ruby red, with faint orange reflections from extended maturation. A complex array of rosehip, wild berries, and red fruit sous bois mingles with spicy-balsamic shades and a subtle mineral signature of its terroir. Dry and vertical in the mouth, with commanding presence, it offers a full yet exquisitely fine sip: silky-smooth tannins, lively acidity, solid body, and very long persistence closing on fruit preserve and spice echoes. Monferace Uccelletta 2021 suits contemplation or haute cuisine—pairing with braised meats, goulash, game, milk-braised shank, matured cheeses, creamy risottos with cheese and hazelnuts, or robust seafood like salted cod or octopus. It invites cellaring to explore Grignolino's longevity. Monferace is a collective project of Monferrato growers reviving Grignolino as an age-worthy icon, produced solely in stellar vintages: 100% Grignolino from registered vineyards, minimum 40 months' ageing (24 in wood), low yields, and blind tasting certification—birthing a "super Grignolino" rivaling Piedmont's great reds while retaining territorial soul.