2018 Walter Massa - Colli Tortonesi DOC Monleale (750ml)

The 2018 Walter Massa Colli Tortonesi DOC Monleale combines structured richness with precise terroir expression through hand-selected Barbera grapes sourced from three distinct vineyard plots in southeastern Piedmont. Cultivated between 250 and 280 meters above sea level across calcareous and clay soils with varying sun exposures, the estate farms without synthetic pesticides or herbicides and ferments exclusively with indigenous yeasts to capture authentic regional character.

After extended maceration and natural fermentation, the wine ages for roughly twenty-two months in neutral barriques before spending additional time maturing in bottle. The 2018 vintage delivers an aromatic profile dominated by dark cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, layered with crushed violet petals, tobacco leaf, and faint sweet spice. The palate maintains a firm, elegant structure, highlighted by polished tannins and a savory, mineral-heavy finish that balances concentration with freshness.

This medium-to-full-bodied red complements robust, slow-roasted meats, braised wild game, and aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Pecorino, allowing the wine’s tannic backbone to interact with rich fats and proteins. Serving it decanted for twenty to thirty minutes releases its full aromatic spectrum. Housed in a 750ml bottle, the vintage offers solid cellaring versatility, developing extra complexity over the next five to seven years while remaining highly approachable upon release.