Barbaresco and Gavi were the focus of our attention on Thursday.

Barbaresco is just a ten minute drive north of Alba and there are some stunning views over natural amphitheatres of vines which just a bit steeper than the hills around Barolo.
The family owned Montaribaldi estate has the most amazing position high on a hill and a breathtaking glass cube outside tasting room overlooking the valley. Owner Antonella and Michela hosted our visit which encompassed a quick tour of the winery and barrel cellar before we headed outside for the tasting.
We were greeted with a surprise – a Charmat method sparkling wine made from 30% Pinot Noir and 70% Chardonnay. A wonderfully refreshing start. This was followed by another first for many – A Nebbiolo Rosato – which was equally delicious. We then proceeded to taste a splendid selection of Barbarescos culminating in a fabulous 2011 vintage.


From Barbaresco we headed east for 90 minutes to Gavi and the beautiful estate of La Giustiniana. I have sold their Gavi for many years so it was a delight to be able to visit at last. It is an amazing villa with fountains, long sweeping driveway, an array of outbuildings and cellars and surrounded by vineyards. Chiara and Christian hosted our visit and we kicked off with some delicious aperitivi in the cellar with a delicious Metodo Classico fizz.
Chiara then proceed to give us a detailed history of the estate right up to the present day where the property is now part of the consortium of three wineries.
We took lunch in their spacious dining room and were treated a typically enormous Italian feast with antipasti, beautiful prawns, two pastas, a pork main dish and a refreshing fruit sorbet – all washed down with their superb Gavis and a juicy Barbera.



A full day but full of great contrasts and delicious wines. We returned for a restful evening in Alba, ready to enjoy our final day in Piedmont.
