Az. Agr. Elio Grasso

Elio Grasso farms a natural amphitheater of vines below Monforte d'Alba, where the estate's two flagship crus face each other across the fold of the hill: Gavarini Chiniera, all lift and aromatic finesse, and Ginestra Casa Maté, darker and more muscular. Run by the Grasso family with a craftsman's steadiness — Elio and Marina joined by son Gianluca — the estate makes Barolo of classical structure and immaculate polish, wines that reward a decade without demanding two. Quality has been so consistent for so long that the wines have become a collector's shorthand for dependable Monforte excellence.