There are few wineries in Piedmont who make wine as reliably energetic, elegant, and refined as Marchesi di Gresy. At L&E, we have featured their wines frequently in newsletters, since whatever wines they make tend to be both delicious and excellent representations of their genre, from the humble Dolcettos all the way through their elegant Barbarescos. Marchesi di Gresy makes classic Piedmontese wines throughout the Langhe and Monferrato hills, guided by a simple philosophy. “The winemaking process does not overturn the work carried out in the vineyard, but completes it, enhancing the natural predisposition and identity of the grapes.” For their iconic Barbera d’Asti, this means organic farming and aging in a mix of old and large oak barrels that leave behind no flavors, but do a beautiful job of accentuating the wine’s plush, velvety texture and polishing the tannins until they shine. Aromas of black roses, cherry cordial, and tar-streaked earth lead into flavors of dried black cherry, leather, and rosewater that lingers through the finish. Serve with classic, hearty Italian dishes.