Seventy labels from the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero have been given the stamp of approval for admission to the 46th Selection of the Great Wines of Alba. The Tasting Panel presided over by Alessandro Masnaghetti rewarded the Producers of the 59 Wine cellars included in the prestigious, historical Selection during the 295th Chapter of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba at Grinzane Cavour Castle on Saturday 11 September, which marked the return to the Order’s activities following the interruption caused by the pandemic, and the start of the autumn season which already promises to be packed with important events.
«In 1973, the year the Selection was introduced – explained the Order’s Grand Master, Bianca Vetrino –, only one wine reached the score required for inclusion. Ever since the number of wineries taking part has been growing, as has the number of labels selected. This is a sign not only of an area which has been able to express products of outstanding quality, but also of the interest of producers in our Selection, which has always represented the ability to communicate and bear witness to the history of this magnificent land through a glass of wine».
Masnaghetti was joined on the tasting panel by sommeliers Mauro Carosso, Giancarlo Germano, Cristiana Grimaldi, Master of the Ruling Council JC Viens, and Masters of Foreign Delegations Astrid Mock, Nunzio Castaldo, Frank Ken, John Rittmaster and Sergio Nodone.
«The standard of quality of the wines taking part in this initiative has unquestionably risen – says its President Alessandro Masnaghetti – above-all thanks to the serious work of the producers on these hills. The Selection encapsulates a wide array of labels once more this year, and I thank all the members of the panel for their professionalism and ability to interpret the many wines and translate that into numbers and scores».
The Chapter also provided the opportunity to present the Ruling Council’s sumptuous new uniforms in the colours that have always distinguished the Order of Knights. A revival accompanied by new features and a drive looking to the future with optimism and new goals to achieve.
During the 295th Chapter, the Grand Master appointed four new Postulant Knights. Having begun with the display of the Flag-throwers and Musicians of Alba, the ceremony ended with aperitifs at sunset in the Castle grounds, and dinner which – given the number of participants – was held in both the Restaurant’s Sala Cavour and the historic Hall of Masks.
All the wines in the Selection are available in the display in the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour, and can be purchased by sending an email to: enoteca@castellogrinzane.com
Ph. Credits: Maurizio Milanesio
