Winery in the spotlight - Marquis Umberto Fracassi of Cherasco

94 points Kerin O'Keefe for Barolo Mantoetto 2019 AND TASTING NEW BAROLO MANTOETTO IN CANTINA - Soon to be presented online.

Marquis Umberto Fracassi - the only wine producer in Cherasco - has reached the blissful age of 90. You wouldn't give it to him. He still makes his daily rounds to the supermarket and the like by bicycle. He's still in quick succession in the wine cellar.

Umberto Fracassi I got to know when I lived in Cherasco, in the hills of San Michele that separate Cherasco and La Morra.

During my many walks with then Aussie dog Joe, I met him in the vineyard of Mantoetto. This was followed by an official invitation to an exclusive event from the Cherasco Municipal Council. On the spot followed another request that I join them for lunch for Umberto's exclusive tasting at the Michelin star restaurant Da Francesco. (has now become Trentatre).

A place had become available due to a cancellation. And there began our story of importing his wines that are very, very sought after on the Belgian market.

Starting this year, a Nebbiolo d'Alba will be added. This in addition to the Barbera d'Alba Superiore, the Langhe Nascetta and soon the Favorita again (has sold so much that it is out of stock). Umberto is no longer active at fairs, doesn't need it either. Wine tastings he does only for importers. We then just sit in the salon with this noble scion of the Fracassi's (not in the less cozy and too large hall).

What was Marquis Umberto's first contact with Belgium? In a distant past, the Fracassi's not only did wines but were also in a very prosperous business in the textile industry in Biella. He was co-owner at the age of 18 alongside his parents of course. HIj was sent to West Flanders to buy machinery. However just as he doesn't look like he is 90 now either, he looked a lot younger at 18. When after the purchase discussion he brought out the check, the salesman briefly left the room to call the company to ask if this young man could actually write a check. When we were still organizing tastings for groups from Flanders ( at Umberto's until 7 years ago) he told this anecdote with great pleasure.

If you want to taste Marquis Umberto Fracassi's wines, be sure to come to our wine tasting. All info at https://www.madeinpiedmont-wines.be/.../agenda-degustaties

For those interested in Barolo from the winery: online you can still find the 2019 vintage, which is certainly more than optimal. We might skip 2020 to offer 2021 directly from the fall term or earlier. Info: https://www.madeinpiedmont-wines.be/.../umberto-fracassi...