From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste: The glass is intensely ruby red, deepening into garnet red nuances. The nose is spicy, and floral aromas intertwine with violet and rose notes, revealing sweet spices, dried flowers, leather, and undergrowth. This aromatic complexity is beautifully mirrored on the palate, where the wine expresses a continuity of flavors. The experience is persistent, with a soft yet dry palate that echoes the sophistication of its aromas.
Pairing: Its structure and flavor profile, characterized by a balanced blend of fruit, floral, and earthy notes, make it an ideal match for rich and savory dishes. For an authentically Piedmontese pairing, consider dishes such as Agnolotti del Plin, a type of ravioli filled with roasted meats and herbs, which beautifully compliments the wine's complexity and depth. The wine's aromatic bouquet of violet and rose, alongside its soft yet dry palate, pairs splendidly with herb-crusted roast lamb, where the herbaceous notes in both the wine and the dish enhance each other.
The Langhe Nebbiolo also stands up well to the robust flavors of wild mushroom risotto, its earthy undertones complementing the umami-rich mushrooms, while the wine's acidity cuts through the risotto's creaminess. For cheese lovers, a platter featuring aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Gorgonzola, offers a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, with the wine's tannic structure balancing the creaminess of the cheese. Lastly, for a simpler yet equally satisfying pairing, a charcuterie board with prosciutto, salami, and other cured meats accentuates the wine's spicy and floral characteristics.
Garlic-and-Herb-Rubbed Butterflied Leg of LambBy Melissa Clark
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.
