Crotin 1897 Grignolino d'Asti San Patelu, 2018

We’re finally headed back to Piedmont! Nestled in the Monferrato hills, Crotin 1897 also serves as a tourist destination & tasting center just outside of Asti, Italy. It was originally founded–unsurprisingly– at the turn of the 20th century by the current owners’ great grandfather. Daniella and her sons expanded the estate to its current size and started the shift to organic farming in 2002. Grignolino gets its name from the Italian for “many pips” or seeds which explains this grape’s tannic nature. This of course carries through to the wine which is light to medium bodied, acidic, fruity, and even floral or herbaceous. It’s not plum or cherry flavors here – it’s more like ripe strawberry or cranberry. Just a bit earthy/smoky. Try making this roasted tomato sauce and enjoying this bottle with some pasta. Not looking to cook? This could even go well with the upcoming Greek braised pork & cauliflower Globetrotting Dinner.