Gresy Monferrato Rosso

Marchesi di Gresy has long been recognised as one of Piemonte's top producers.

With four separate estates across Langhe and Monferrato - home of Piemonte's greatest wines -Marchesi di Gresy has 45 hectares of vineyards, with 11 ha dedicated to the production of Nebbiolo for its flagship Barbarescos, Martinenga Camp Gros and Martinenga Gaiun.

The Martinenga vineyard is considered by many to be the best single vineyard in Barbaresco. This breathtaking natural amphitheatre surrounding the winery has been exclusively owned by the di Gresy family since 1797. It is here that grapes from each of the estates are taken to be vinified.

Alberto di Gresy owns and manages the estate. In 1973 he began production of wines under the di Gresy name - vinifying their own estate grapes rather than selling to other local producers as in the past. His philosophy is simple but effective; to produce wines using the best available technology that respect tradition and promote the character and personality of the terrain and grape variety.

Marchesi di Grésy is committed to preserving and enhancing its natural resources, giving full attention to saving energy, reducing its environmental impact, increasing biodiversity and studying its vines.

To minimise its impact on the environment and the landscape of the surrounding hills, the estate has completely buried its barrel cellar, helping to reduce soil erosion. Furthermore, the hygroscopic and insulating properties of the soil naturally maintain an optimum temperature and humidity for maturing the wine without any expenditure of energy.

Part of the roof of the barrel cellar and of the company parking lots have been covered with photovoltaic panels, and the amount of electricity they generate annually meets the winery's needs.

Above the barrel room, a large terrace hosts a charming aromatic garden. Aside from creating a lovely setting for tasting wines, it is a natural oasis that helps to preserve the microclimate and biodiversity through the protection of insects, especially bees, which contribute to pollination and regulate harmful vineyard pests.

Merlot,

The Merlot grapes come from di Gresy's Monte Colombo vineyards in the comune of Cassine, in the Asti zone. These were planted to use in a blended cuvee with Barbera, but Alberto was so impressed with the quality that he decided instead to produce this single varietal wine.

Traditional vinification and 14 day maceration with regular pumpings over. Malolactic fermentation in tank. 12 months in used French barriques (Allier) followed by 24 months in Slavonian oak casks.

A fine, mature red from the iconic Marchesi di Grésy estate. Produced from Merlot grown on their Monte Colombo vineyard in the Monferrato hills - from the 2017 the wine is much fresher and vibrant in style than previous vintages.

Fresh and aromatic on the nose with forest fruit and damson. The complex palate is vibrant with notes of dark plum and sour cherry, together with ripe tannins and a hint of spice - leading to a fine, long and structured finish.

Excellent with a simply cooked steak, casseroles, game, rabbit and lamb.