Bricco Rivoira, Cortese, “La Biondina”, 2006

Grape Varietal(s):  Cortese

Vineyard Size:  14 acres

Annual Production:  750 cases

Single Vineyard Name:  n/a

Appellation:  Isola d’Asti

Region:  Piedmont

Country:  Italy

Topography:  Hillside

Harvest:  September

Alcohol Content: 12% volume

Vinification:

2006 was an unusual year. Winter temperatures persisted into April and summer arrived early in May almost eliminating Spring. Heavy thunderstorms in July did not cause any damage to the vineyard and provided the necessary rain to offset the heat. Temperatures dropped again just before the harvest in mid September. These conditions can be seen in the slightly higher level of acidity in the wine.

 

Tasting Notes:

The name La Biondina (which means little blond in the Piemontese dialect) is in honor of Gianni’s mother, a classy blond.  Pale yellow color with green highlights. Intense and fruity fragrance with the aromas of green apple and banana.  Smooth flavor with good acid balance and the subtle taste of green apple and banana.  The intense scent of fresh fruit and acacia honey and a more than delicate taste make this wine a stimulating aperitif and one which goes well with appetizers and light first courses.  It is also an excellent accompaniment to any seafood dish.

Gianni and Jette Fassio, former San Francisco Restaurateurs, began purchasing vineyard land and building their home in Piemonte in 2000. Currently they have a total of 17 acres, 7 surrounding their home outside of Isola d’Asti in an area referred to as Repergo and the balance in the Nizza/Vinchio area about 5 miles away. Fourteen acres are devoted to the indigenous grape of the area, Barbera and three acres divided between Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. There is quite a history behind the “Bricco Rivoira” wines. The vineyard property was in the Fassio family’s hands prior to the mid-1800s. Gianni’s great grandfather owned the hill which now holds the modern version of the old farmhouse. The Piemontese word “Bricco” translates as hilltop and this particular hill was “Bricco Rivoira”. In the 1860s the Fassio family moved to the slightly larger neighboring village of Isola d’Asti, where they owned and operated the equivalent of a modern day supermarket, complete with bakery, butchery and dry goods. Because they had moved from the hill called “Rivoira”’ they were referred to locally as “those from Bricco Rivoira” – and Gianni decided to use the family nickname instead of the family name. Gianni overseas the vineyard and his wines are made by good friend, Gino Capra and his son Michele.

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