Educato is a Chardonnay from the Langhe, an appellation encompassing most of the land south of the Tanaro River including Barolo and Barbaresco.
The name refers to Elio Grasso’s attempt to understand and learn from a grape variety that is not native to Piedmont. A master with Nebbiolo, Elio believes whole-heartedly it is the best expression of Piedmont. But working with other methods and other grapes can offer insights otherwise difficult to come by.
Educato is barrel-fermented and spends only 6 months in oak. This restraint allows for richness without overwhelming the acids.
Supple, ripe tree fruit and a core of bright acid are reinforced by luscious honey, fig and toasted nut aromatics.
Regional History
The wines of Piemonte are noted as far back as Pliny’s Natural History. Due to geographic and political isolation, Piemonte was without a natural port for most of its history, which made exportation treacherous and expensive. This left the Piemontese with little incentive to expand production.
Sixteenth-century records show a mere 14% of the Bassa Langa under vine – most of that low-lying and farmed polyculturally.
In the nineteenth century the Marchesa Falletti, a French woman by birth, brought eonologist Louis Oudart from Champagne to create the first dry wines in Piemonte. Along with work in experimental vineyards at Castello Grinzane conducted by Camilo Cavour – later Conte di Cavour, leader of the Risorgimento and first Prime Minister of Italy – this was the birth of modern wine in the Piedmont.
At the heart of the region and her reputation are Alba and the Langhe Hills. This series of weathered outcroppings south of the Tanaro River is of maritime origin and composed mainly of limestone, sand, and clay known as terra bianca. In these soils – located mainly around the areas of Barolo and Barbaresco – the ancient allobrogica, now nebbiolo, achieves its renowned fineness and power.
Regional Foods
Piedmontese cuisine is heavily influenced by French culture; rich foods with bechamel, mayonnaise, and reduction sauces are often featured. The cuisine is highly localized and seasonal-vegetable varieties are abundant in the south bordering Liguria.
Piemonte has its own distinct breed of cow descended from the Auroch and Zebu breeds. The meat they provide is unique and often served as carpaccio. This distinctly flavored beef is also braised or roasted.
Local pastas include tagliatelle and ravioli stuffed with local vegetables, cheese and meats. White truffles are the most famous and expensive regional specialty, and are often shaved over appetizers or served à la carte in thin slices. Typical cheeses include Castelmangno, Gorgonzola, Fontal, Fontina, Bra and Robiola-Piedmontese.
© Moore Brothers Wine Company