From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste & Critical Acclaim:
“Hints of tomato leaf aromas grace this otherwise fruity red. Rich, offering cherry and strawberry flavors accented by mint and iron. Reveals refined tannins, which provide structure and leave a chalky finish. Best from 2025.” — 93 points, Wine Spectator
“This pretty bottle boasts a new label design with simple graphics and a slightly retro personality. Due to the difficult growing season, no single-vineyard wines were made in 2018. Instead, fruit was bended here. The Ascheri 2018 Barolo is a classic interpretation of Nebbiolo (representing an assembly of fruit from La Morra, Verduno and Serralunga d'Alba) with an immediately compelling bouquet that reveals a good amount of complexity and some unexpected notes of dried flower and orange peel at the back of wild cherry and redcurrant. This vintage opens quickly (uncork it a few hours before without decanting) and has the upfront consistency and balance to enjoy in the medium term. The finish is also slightly shorter and leaner in this edition.” — 92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pairing: The rich flavors of braised beef, particularly dishes like beef short ribs or a hearty beef stew, marry well with Barolo's deep fruit notes and tannins. The slow-cooking process tenderizes the meat, allowing it to absorb herbs and spices that echo the wine's complex profile. Dishes featuring porcini mushrooms, whether a rich ragù served over pasta or a grilled porcini side dish, highlight the earthy elements of the wine. The mushroom umami complements Barolo's tannic structure and enhances its fruit characteristics. The gamey flavors of venison, wild boar, or pheasant pair exquisitely with Barolo, mirroring its boldness and enhancing its fruity and earthy notes. A dish like venison stew or roasted wild boar would be particularly fitting. Aged hard cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano, offer a nutty, salty counterpoint to Barolo's tannins, making them an excellent choice for a simple pairing.
Wild Mushroom and Potato GratinBy Martha Rose Shulman
About: The founding of Ascheri Vineyards and Cellars traces its origins back to the early 19th century in La Morra, a region known for its viticulture heritage, where the Ascheri family first began their winemaking journey. The family's initial vineyards in La Morra laid the groundwork for their innovative approach to vine cultivation and winemaking, distinguishing them from the outset for their commitment to quality and innovation.
By the mid-19th century, as winemaking techniques were still evolving and the industry in the Langhe region was characterized by rudimentary practices, the Ascheri family moved their winery to Bra. This move in 1880 was strategic, capitalizing on Bra's advantageous position as a distribution hub for Barolo wine, leveraging its connectivity to Turin, a significant wine market at the time. The relocation was also influenced by the area's close association with the Royal House of Savoy and its prominence in the wine trade.
This decision marked a pivotal moment in the winery's history, setting the stage for its growth and evolution into a respected name in the Italian wine industry. The Ascheri winery's legacy is built on a foundation of innovative vineyard management and a commitment to expressing the unique characteristics of its terroir through its wines. Their approach, emphasizing minimal intervention and sustainable agriculture, continues to guide the winery's operations, reflecting its rich heritage and forward-looking philosophy.
Matteo Ascheri is a prominent figure in the Italian wine industry, serving as both the owner and winemaker of Ascheri Winery. Born on June 2, 1962, in Bra, Piedmont, he has established himself not only through his family's winery but also as a key player in regional wine promotion and protection. Matteo pursued higher education in Economy and Commerce at the University of Turin, graduating in 1985, and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987. Beyond his professional achievements, Matteo is a dedicated family man, a husband, and father to three sons: Giacomo, Giuseppe, and Andrea. Giuseppe, being actively involved in the winery alongside his father, represents a new generation committed to the Ascheri lineage to pay homage to Piedmontese wine.
In addition to his roles at Ascheri Winery, Matteo has significantly contributed to the broader wine community as the President of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani. This consortium plays a crucial role in the Piedmont wine region, representing over 500 wine growers and managing 10,000 hectares of vineyards. Its efforts aim to promote wine production's technical and economic aspects within the Langa and Roero areas, which are pivotal to maintaining the high quality and international reputation of Italian wines.
Matteo's philosophy in winemaking emphasizes a non-interventionist approach, favoring technology to enhance sustainability in the vineyards while minimizing its use in the winery to maintain the wines' natural expression. He is particularly passionate about Nebbiolo, which is reflective of his Piedmontese roots but also holds a special place for Dolcetto, highlighting his belief in the potential and value of local grape varieties. Under his guidance, Ascheri wines have evolved to emphasize elegance, finesse, natural concentration, and balance, reflecting his personal style and the distinct characteristics of their origin
The Ascheri vineyards are meticulously cultivated across several esteemed locations in Italy's Piedmont region, renowned for producing some of Italy's most celebrated wines. These holdings include the original La Morra estate and additional vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba, Verduno, and Bra. Each area contributes its unique terroir to the Ascheri wine portfolio, allowing for a diverse range of wines that express the rich viticultural heritage of Piedmont.
The vineyards are managed with a focus on sustainable agriculture, adhering to the principles of The Green Experience. This approach emphasizes respect for the land, wildlife, and community, ensuring the vineyards are nurtured to support the environment and produce the highest quality grapes. The La Morra Vineyards, for instance, are primarily known for grapes suited for Barolo, Barbera d'Alba, and Dolcetto d'Alba, showcasing the Ascheri commitment to regional excellence and sustainability.
