Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy, Piedmont, Italy
The historic vineyards of Barbaresco are home to some of Italy's most prized Nebbiolo grapes, and among these, the Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy stands out for its viticultural and historical significance. The di Grésy family has been connected to the Barbaresco appellation since 1797, when they acquired the Martinenga vineyard. This estate, with its deep roots in the region, represents a blend of tradition, innovation, and dedication to preserving the unique character of Barbaresco wines.
The family’s holdings also include the Monte Aribaldo estate, purchased in the mid-1600s. This property has historically been planted with Dolcetto, although its southern and western slopes are well-suited for Nebbiolo. Despite the region’s focus on Nebbiolo for Barbaresco, the family continues to honor tradition by producing exceptional Dolcetto wines from these old vines.
Martinenga, however, is the true jewel of the Tenute Cisa Asinari estates. Spanning 14 hectares, 12.5 of which are planted with Nebbiolo, it is the only Cru Monopole in the Barbaresco DOCG zone. The vineyard’s amphitheater shape, along with its unique microclimate influenced by both maritime and alpine winds, creates ideal conditions for producing elegant, structured wines. Its soil composition and the sensitivity of Nebbiolo contribute to the vineyard's status as one of the most important in the region.
Over time, Alberto di Grésy, who took over the estate in 1973, recognized the potential of this vineyard and began vinifying the estate’s grapes, moving away from selling them to other wineries. Today, three distinct Barbaresco wines are crafted from Martinenga: the classic Martinenga Barbaresco DOCG, the Camp Gros Martinenga Barbaresco DOCG, and the Gaiun Martinenga Barbaresco DOCG. Each of these wines reflects the subtle differences in terroir across the vineyard, with Camp Gros producing wines of strength and austerity and Gaiun delivering wines with more elegance and aromatic intensity.
What makes Martinenga truly remarkable is its genetic diversity. The vineyard contains Nebbiolo biotypes Michet, Lampia, and Rosé, ensuring that each vintage benefits from the complexities brought by this ancient viticultural heritage. This variety, along with the careful mass selection undertaken by the di Grésy family, helps preserve the vineyard’s unique identity and adaptability in the face of climate change.
Alessandro and Ludovica di Grésy, who joined the family business in 2013, are committed to maintaining the estate's legacy. As Alessandro reflects, their mission is to preserve the balance, class, and genetic richness of the vineyard. By employing sustainable practices and focusing on the well-being of each vine, the family aims to continue producing wines that express the essence of Martinenga and the Barbaresco region for generations to come.
For more information:
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