The 2009 Prunotto Mompertone is a very unique blend of 60% Barbera and 40% Syrah. Wine critic Antonio Galloni said, "?A combination that as far as I know has not been tried elsewhere in Piedmont." I'm not a huge fan of Piedmontese blends. Each varietal that is indigenous to Piedmont merits its own defining characteristics and is rarely blended. Grapes that grow in Piedmont thrive there because of the unique terroir, and most times do not grow outside of Piedmont for that very reason. Barbera and Nebbiolo are two of the biggest examples.
Alfredo Prunotto seemed to find a blend that simply works in the Mompertone. This wine is juicy, complex and stunning.
2009 Mompertone
Prunotto's Mompertone comes from vineyards located in Calliano (Asti), in the Basso Monferrato zone, 300 meters above sea level. The terroir consists of clay soil with veins of sand. 2009 had an unsteady start, with a harsh winter, finally calming down in early May. Harvest took place in early September, and the grapes were beautifully balanced with no damages. After the Barbera and Syrah were blended, the grapes were aged for 10 months in oak: 60% in new French oak casks and 40% in previously used oak barrels.
In regards to the much underrated Barbera varietal, which is indigenous to the Monferrato region, Wine Spectator says, "The wine has more potential than is currently realized and may stage a modest comeback as Italian-style wines gain popularity." I can confirm that a "comeback" has occurred with the release of the Prunotto Mompertone.
Tasting
I consider this wine one of my favorite table wines in the under-$20 price range. I've served this with a heavy salmon dish, pork chops in a pineapple glaze and medium to strong cheeses. It's an easy wine that can be drunk solo or with meals. Rich and fruity with soft tannins and an elegant, lasting finish. Lots of spice and earth lace together on the palate while floral hints of violet and dark cherries linger on the nose. Juicy and satisfying! Drinking beautifully now or for another 5+ years.
Estate
Young Alfredo Prunotto of Serrelunga was one of the original overseers of "Ai Vini dell Langhe", or the Wines of Langhe council. Prunotto and his new wife took over the old Vini delle Langhe vineyard post-World War II, imposing a new set of standards and regulations in hopes to increase the quality of the property. Several years later, in 1989, the Antinori family took over the already successful estate, keeping the ideas and mission statement of Prunotto in mind.
Since the first Mompertone release in 2003, Prunotto has received praise for his blends from industry giants such as Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Galloni states in regards to the property:
"This {Mompertone} is an impressive set of wines from Prunotto. From top to bottom, every wine in this lineup is well worth considering?Given the quality of their vineyards and the significant resources of the Antinori family these should be truly profound wines." -RPWA
With spring just around the corner, this beautiful blend will be the perfect wine to serve at any early spring celebration. Graduations, Memorial Day and birthdays are on the way!
Not only is this wine overseen by the legendary Antinori Estates, it's rated 92 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. At only $17.99, you'd be hard pressed to find a better value with better credentials than the 2009 Prunotto Mompertone.