Italy

Monferrato

The Albarossa crossing was created in 1938 by Professor Giovanni Dalmasso, originally thought to be a crossing of Barbera and Nebbiolo, but much later shown to actually be a crossing of Barbera and Chatus (AKA Nebbiolo di Dronero). After decades languishing in the shadows, in 2001 four Piedmontese wineries - including Banfi - decided to invest in its future and the variety was recognised under the Monferrato DOC. The first Albarossa wines were released in 2006. The grape remains scarce to say the least, however, with around 10ha planted in the whole of Italy, making this 100% Albarossa extremely rare indeed. Chocolate, violet and sweet strawberry scents dominate, with a hint of mint. In the mouth it has good freshness balancing good intensity of heady red and black fruits, followed on the mid-palate by chocolate and raspberry coulis. There are some wood and black pepper notes on the long, minty-fresh finish, with just a slight touch of alcohol warmth. Aged in French oak barriques for 12 months. An interesting and delicious study in rare varietals.

Albarossa

Castello Banfi, La Lus Albarossa, Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy, 2017

Castello-Banfi,-La-Lus-Albarossa,-Monferrato,-Piedmont,-2017.jpg

The Albarossa crossing was created in 1938 by Professor Giovanni Dalmasso, originally thought to be a crossing of Barbera and Ne

Castello Banfi, La Lus Albarossa, Monferrato, Piedmont, 2017

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