Marchesi Di Gresy Barbaresco Martinenga 2018

Marchesi Di Gresy Barbaresco Martinenga 2018 is a 100% Nebbiolo red wine from Piedmont, Italy, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 94 points by Falstaff and a Mundus Vini Gold medal, the 2018 vintage draws its distinction from a vineyard unlike any other in the appellation — the Martinenga cru is the only Barbaresco MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) bottled entirely by a single producer, a true monopole held by the di Grésy family since 1797.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Grape: 100% Nebbiolo  |  Producer: Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy

Production & Heritage

The Marchesi di Grésy estate has held the Martinenga vineyard — the largest single-owned cru in Barbaresco — for over two centuries. Vinification begins with maceration using a floating cap for 8–10 days at controlled temperature, followed by 20–30 days of submerged-cap maceration. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally after primary fermentation. The wine then ages for 12 months in a mix of new, first-passage, and second-passage French oak barriques before transferring to large Slavonian oak casks for an additional 12 months. This dual-vessel aging regime balances the structural refinement of barrique with the gentle oxidative softening of traditional large-format oak, a hallmark of the estate's approach to the Martinenga bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh cherry and dewy rose petal before unfolding into camphor, mint, and woodland berries. Deeper layers reveal French oak spice, crushed flowers, and a subtle thread of orange peel.

Taste: The entry is delicate and midweight, led by strawberry and tart cherry. At mid-palate, star anise and espresso emerge alongside tangy red berry flavors, while tobacco and tea notes build toward a structured peak. Taut, close-grained tannins frame the entire progression with discipline rather than force.

Finish: Medium-long with a linear, elegant fade. Lingering notes of star anise, dried herbs, and a bright twist of orange zest persist well after the final sip.

How to Drink Barbaresco Martinenga 2018

This wine rewards patient, unhurried drinking — serve it at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass, ideally after 30–60 minutes of decanting to allow its layered aromatics to fully emerge. Neat and unadorned is the primary serve here, though the wine's structure and acidity make it a natural companion to food. For pairing-driven meals, it stands up beautifully alongside braised veal shanks, handmade tajarin pasta with butter and sage, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Italian wine collector or Nebbiolo enthusiast
• Anchoring a multi-course Piedmontese dinner
• Cellaring for long-term aging and future special occasions
• Introducing an experienced wine drinker to single-vineyard Barbaresco

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barbaresco Martinenga 2018 taste like? It delivers fresh cherry, strawberry, and rose petal on the palate, layered with star anise, espresso, tobacco, and tea, all held together by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.

How does Barbaresco Martinenga compare to Produttori del Barbaresco? Produttori del Barbaresco is a co-operative that sources from multiple growers across several cru sites, producing a range of single-vineyard Riservas. Marchesi di Grésy's Martinenga stands apart as a monopole — the entire vineyard is owned and bottled by one producer — giving it a consistency of style and singular terroir expression that co-operative bottlings, however excellent, cannot replicate.

Is Barbaresco Martinenga 2018 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its combination of mid-weight structure, aromatic complexity, and fine tannins makes it an ideal wine to drink on its own with minimal intervention, ideally after a brief decant.

Where is Barbaresco Martinenga made? The wine is produced at Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy, located in the commune of Barbaresco within the Langhe hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Martinenga vineyard sits directly below the village of Barbaresco on south-facing slopes.

What foods pair well with Barbaresco Martinenga 2018? Braised veal ossobuco highlights its earthy depth; fresh tajarin pasta with a meat ragù mirrors its mid-weight elegance; roasted duck breast complements its spice and cherry notes; aged hard cheeses like 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano match its tannic grip; and white truffle dishes — a classic Langhe pairing — amplify its aromatic intensity.

What sizes does Barbaresco Martinenga come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Barbaresco Martinenga 2018 worth the price? It positions as a premium single-vineyard Barbaresco from one of the appellation's most historic estates. With 94 points from Falstaff, 93 from Wine Spectator, and 93 from Wine & Spirits, its critical reception is strong for its price tier, and the monopole status adds genuine rarity value that few Barbaresco producers can match.

Why Barbaresco Martinenga 2018?

The Martinenga vineyard is, simply, one of Barbaresco's most important sites — and no other cru in the appellation can claim to be entirely owned and bottled by a single producer. That monopole status gives Marchesi di Grésy total control over viticulture, yield, and winemaking decisions, resulting in a consistency that multi-grower crus rarely achieve. The 2018 vintage was broadly praised across major critics, earning scores from 91 to 94 points and a Mundus Vini Gold medal. For anyone seeking an authentic, site-specific expression of Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont's oldest wine families, the Martinenga bottling remains a benchmark.