Albarossa

the pieDmontese grape you may not know

It seems not all crossings are destined to failure. Albarossa is one of the very few experiments that actually have a growing development, with new vines being planted instead of being decimated. It may still be considered an unusual and obscure varietal; yet Albarossa has struck some interest since well-recognized Piemontese estates made them single varietal out of new plantings. Albarossa was supposed to be a crossing of Nebbiolo and Barbera, developed in 1938 by Italian enologist, Professor Giovanni Dalmasso along a myriad of other similar tests and trials. At least this is what he intended to do. It was only recently, with DNA investigation, that the true identity of this grapes parent was revealed. What Dalmasso thought to be Nebbiolo was actually Chatus (also called Nebbiolo di Dronero). The project intended to produce an ‘in between grape’ as accessible and easy-going as Barbera yet with the refined touch of Barolo. In short, breeding these two well-bred and dandy grapes seemed like the perfect plan.

The cross has been stored and forgotten almost right after its creation. It’s only in the last decade that true experimentations started with this indigenous variety that’s still brand new in a way. Honestly, the variety’s plantings are still limited, but more and more producers are discovering Albarossa. Five notorious producers were the first to put their trust in this unknown, untried crossing: Michele Chiarlo, Banfi, Castle of Neive, Marenco and Bava. Most of the production is based around the Monferrato Area but remains under the hundred hectares stance in terms of total production. The most famous Albarossa wine, for now, would be Banfi’s La Lus, which has proven the potential of the grape since its very first vintage in 2006. Banfi’s also promoting and encouraging new plantings of Albarossa with a concentration around Alba, but most importantly in Astesan Montferrat, a prestigious area which includes several historic towns such Nizza Monferrato, Cortanze, Cocconato, Montiglio and Canelli.