LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2020

CELEBRATE THE DIVERSITY!

MONFERRATO, PIEDMONT

BARBERA D’ASTI DOCG This is the area’s signature red – dry and tangy, full of fresh red fruit and cherry, but silky and not too tannic. It’s great with anything from roast pork to pasta and pizza – even smoked salmon! NIZZA DOCG Full-bodied Barbera d’Asti Superiore from the area of Nizza – some of the finest Barbera of all, aged in wood to add notes of spice and cocoa to the vibrant red fruit. RUCHÈ DI CASTAGNOLE MONFERRATO DOCG Here’s something very rare – an aromatic red grape with a spicy, floral bouquet and a hint of wild strawberry. Locals save their Ruchè for life’s beautiful moments. GRIGNOLINO D’ASTI DOC Revered for at least 800 years for its pale red colour and tart, refreshing delicacy, this is a sophisticated aperitivo and superb with vitello tonnato. FREISA D’ASTI DOC A robust, tangy red that smells remarkably like strawberries. Look for the fruity frizzante version where the second fermentation softens the tannins. ALBUGNANO DOC AND TERRE ALFIERI NEBBIOLO DOC These are wines made from Nebbiolo, Piedmont’s most famous grape. Albugnano are Terre Alfieri are two small but renowned areas of Monferrato; their wines show spicy raspberry notes that go on for ever – the crème de la crème. MALVASIA DI CASTELNUOVO DON BOSCO DOC Whether still, spumante or somewhere in between, this sweet red dessert wine has very low alcohol and intense red berry and wild rose aromas. One expert calls it “almost too delicious for words.” LOAZZOLO DOC Long ageing, with six months in wood, gives this viscous, sweet, late-harvest Moscato opulently flavourful layers of candied and tropical fruit.

RICH AND RARE

We think this special relationship is worth protecting. In 1946, seven growers came together to create the Consortium of Barbera d’Asti and the Wines of Monferrato. Today, membership has risen to 354, but the purpose remains the same: to cherish the authenticity and quality of these unique wines so that future generations can enjoy them too. If you don’t know some of the following names, that’s okay. Most of them are rare treasures from very specific parts of Monferrato. They are also among the most delectable wines you’ll ever taste.

FIND OUT MORE: VINIASTIMONFERRATO.IT