Elio Perrone - Barbera d'Asti 'Tasmorcan' 2024

Stefano Perrone is descended from a long line of grape growers in Castiglione Tinella, the heart of Asti. He was an avid motocross racer, and eventually turned professional until an accident forced the end of that career. In his late-20s, he returned to the family vineyards and took up work with his father. 

Stefano’s competitive edge drove him to wonder what more could be achieved with the family estate. He convinced his father to start making their own wine instead of selling grapes. And that energy drove him to make those wines ever better. 

He began by pursuing lower yields and eliminating artificial fertilizers and pesticides in his vineyards. He focused on harvesting at just the right moment, always seeking to achieve greater freshness and balance in his wines. 

Early on, he recognized that sweetness was easy to achieve in Moscato, but that balance and energy were the wine’s great challenge. He says that “Moscato should have the strength of a ballerina, and not a body builder,” and every step he takes is intended to yield that ideal.

While he was experimenting with Brachetto, Stefano also recognized that the Asti zone possessed many old Barbera vineyards. He purchased a spectacular south-facing site called Mongovone in Isola d’Asti, blessed with many vines approaching 100 years of age. 

Barbera grapes are picked by hand on the first week of October, making sure to preserve the integrity of each grape. After pressing grapes, the must ferments in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Wine matures in steel tanks for 4-6 months to preserve the fruity aromas, while a 30% rests in big French oak barrels, until ready for bottling, occurring the following March from harvest.

Producer: Elio Perrone

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Barbera

Appellation: Barbera d'Asti

Vintage: 2024

Size: 750ml