Orsola / Castello di Tassarolo Monferrato Rosso

Winemaker: Massimiliana Spinola and Henry Finzi-Constantine

Appellation: Piedmont, Italy

Grape Variety: Barbera (dominant), Cabernet Sauvignon

The compelling label of this brand new J&F collab is based on a portrait that the iconic Andy Warhol made of Orsola Spinola, a relative of the Castello di Tassarolo owner and winemaker Massimiliana Spinola. As Massimiliana herself tells the story: “Orsola lived in New York for a few years when Warhol was still alive – she collected many American artists’ works because she was passionate about American modern art, but she especially loved Andy’s art. In fact, she was so keen on him that not one, but two portraits of her were painted by Warhol, both still hanging in her house not far from our winery.” In homage to the beautiful Orsola, one of these unique works of pop art graces the label, and the wine was named after her.

Vineyard: Selected vineyards in the Municipality of Tassarolo (Gavi DOCG production area, Piemonte). Marley, silty-clay soil, 300 meters above sea level, worked by horses. Estate-owned, certified biodynamic (AgriBioDinamica)

Making of: Hand harvest. The grapes are crushed and undergo classic maceration and fermentation in tanks with indigenous yeast only, for 15 days. 6 months on lees in stainless steel. Light filtration, no fining. No added sulfites. 

Personality: Ruby red color with garnet tinges. Heady aroma with scents of ripe fruit. Warm, soft taste, spicy at the finish. An excellent accompaniment for meat dishes, cheese, pasta and rice, as well as vegetables.