Cantina Iuli, Umberta, 2022

Cascina Iuli is set among the last band of dramatic hills and valleys before descending into the rich flatlands of the Po river valley, with the Alps as a backdrop on a clear day. If you're headed to Montaldo, chances are it is to see Fabrizio Iuli. Today, Fabrizio is the only winegrower in the town. His first commerical vintage was 1998, with his Barbera called Rossore. The grapes found in his vineyards are Baratuciat (a nearly-extinct white variety from the Val di Susa), Slarina (a red Monferrato variety also almost lost), Grignolino, Nebbiolo, Pinot Nero, and, of course, Barbera. There are 35 contiguous hectares of land in one valley, with 16 hectares planted to vine. Certified organic, the land has never seen any chemicals. Fabrizio Iuli calls himself a barberista, for his love, focus and dedication to the Barbera grape. Located in the small town of Montaldo in Monferrato, which is the home of many of Piedmont's top Barbera's, the Iuli estate is organically farmed by Fabrizio, and his old vine vineyards have a strong core of limestone which adds a distinctive terroir. We had the incredible opportunity to visit Iuli, hike around the vineyards and taste wine out of barrel and bottle with Fabrizio. His wines clearly have a purity, honesty and joyfulness to them that we just love. They are also seriously complex at the same time.