This vineyard site is classified for Barolo, but because of the young age of the vines (that are between 20 and 25 years old), the Grasso family makes the 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini instead. The vines are nestled behind a forest. In fact, with 45 hectares of land, including 18 hectares of vineyard and 27 hectares of forest, Elio Grasso is the producer with the biggest forested area in Monforte d'Alba. In the off years when the Riserva Rüncot is not produced, that fruit might also find its way here. It shows soft cherry, toasted almond, earth and dried mint. It ends with easy tannins.

The 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini offers a very happy drinking experience with pure varietal typicity that underlines wild berry, cola, mint and licorice. Those delicate aromas are followed by freshness and a subtle snap of tannic tightness. The wine offers a perfect pairing approach to a dish with savory flavors and some unctuous olive oil, such as fettuccine with wild porcini mushrooms.

The Grasso family was forced to farm very carefully in the scorching hot 2017 vintage. Leaves were left on the vines to provide shade for the clusters, and grasses between the vineyard rows were not cut in order to isolate the soils below. The 2017 Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini sees fruit sourced from the youngest vines in the prized Rüncot site. Declassified grapes from that important cru are directed to this wine instead. This is a structured and richly textured Langhe Nebbiolo with dusty mineral sensations on the close. Gianluca Grasso is particularly proud of the hard work dedicated to this excellent value wine.

The Elio Grasso 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini could be a Barolo according to the location of the vineyards. Some of the fruit comes from the newly purchased Bricco San Pietro that is voluntarily declassified for now. The rest of the fruit comes from young vines from other parcels owned by the estate. Langhe Nebbiolo is ever-growing in its popularity for very good reason. A beautiful wine like this offers hints at the Nebbiolo greatness that you get with Barolo or Barbaresco. Despite that pedigree, the wine is fundamentally easy and approachable in character. This expression opens to a light garnet color and shows pristine aromas of wild berry, dried cherry, licorice and roasted hazelnut.

Vinified in stainless steel, the 2015 Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini offers a pure and unmasked expression of the grape. This is an easy-drinking wine that exhibits a pretty floral bouquet, vibrant berry flavors and a streamlined approach in the mouth. The crisp acidity makes it ideal for cheesy pasta dishes or lasagna. Gianluca Grasso tells me this wine is his hottest selling product among local consumers and restaurants. This is the first year that fruit from his new vineyard site is used.