Cascina del Monastero, Barolo

We found this delightful winery by accident, having been recommended it by a Dutch couple we met at the Fontanafredda tasting. A small family affair, it couldn’t be more different from the corporate swank of Fontanafredda.

We were treated to a tour by Tyler, a tall confident American who had paused his career in wine distribution in the States to come to Barolo and learn more about how wine is made, was doing the English language speaking for the family and, one imagines, some marketing.

The building – an old farm – had been adapted to create a modest winery, and ‘every nook and cranny in this joint is filled with bottles’, as Tyler put it.

Monasterio makes two styles of Barbera – one traditional and one in barrique, a Nebbiolo d’Alba, a blend of 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Merlot, a Langhe Nebbiolo and three Barolos- a traditional from young vines, and two crus, both having a year in French oak and year in bottle, and finally a Barolo Riserva having two years in barriques and two in botti. In total, they cultivate 12 hectares and make 80,000 bottles a year.

Tyler treated us to a tour and and we tasted as we walked, then returning to the tasting room to sample whatever happened to be available. A very relaxed affair and one to be recommended.

Tasting

1. Langhe Nebbiolo 2012. 14 euros

Appearance: Ruby red
Nose: A slight red cherry nose
Palate: A medium body with red cherry and a bitter edge

Mole rating: 3 – Good.

2. Barolo ‘Perno’ 2013. 14.5%. 24 euros

Appearance: Crimson red
Nose: Dark black cherry and no oak
Palate: A medium body with clean black cherry

Mole rating: 3 – Good.

3. Barbera d’Alba. 2008. 14.5%

Appearance – dark red with a little redness on the edge but not much for 10 years
Nose: Blackcurant, fig, tobacco
Palate: Blackcurrant, dry prune, lots of tannin and a sharp finish.

Other comments: For my money this was the star of the show on this tasting – a wine with depth and complexity unexpected in a Barbera d’Alba, and perhaps good for another five years or more..

Mole rating: 4 – Very Good.

4. Barolo Riserva 2006. 14.5%.

Appearance: Garnet red
Nose: Blackberry, fig and dark plum
Palate: A full body with cassis, smooth tannin, medium plus acidity and a very long finish.

Mole rating: 5 – Outstanding.