TMM Barbera

MYSTERIUM & AUSTERUM: THE TM BARBERA

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In Piedmont, in the province of Asti, since forever Barbera is synonymous of red wine.

A wine that, thanks to its constant evolution during the years, has been able to gain the most prestigious international wine guides mentions and to conquer the heart of the most passionate consumers.

The perseverance of the producers who believed in this “pop” grape and have constantly invested in vineyard and cellar, it has been prized. They make labels that exalt more and more the organoleptic traits of this grape and produce wines suitable for all palates, different and fine.

If we have a look to the territory of Asti area and its orographic features, made of sweet hills emerged from the sea of millions of years ago, we are looking at the Monferrato region. Here, the origin of this ancient vine, the Barbera, date back to the sixteenth century. Monferrato is an area full of unique oenological propositions, as unique are the views and the cultures of this site, that is UNESCO heritage since 2014.

Tenuta Montemagno is in the heart of Monferrato and it covers over 100 hectares, 20 of which are planted with vines. Here there are 6 denominations – 2 DOCG and 4 DOC are cultivated (Barbera d’Asti, Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, Grignolino d’Asti and Malvasia di Casorzo, Monferrato Bianco and Monferrato Rosso).

Two are the Barbera of Tenuta Montemagno: Mysterium (Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG) and Austerum (Barbera d’Asti DOCG) and they, together with the Ruché, all represent the excellence among the reds from our wine production.

The hectares of vineyards are 20 and 7 of Barbera. The most ancient ones have an extension of 3.5 hectares and the plants have more than 80 years. Then, Mysterium, Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG. has a long story, deep roots, able to fascinate glass by glass the lucky passionates. The lovers of our Barbera – Collection Range, perfectly know that the yield/hectare is 55 q, compare to the 90 q/hectare required by the regulation of the production of Barbera d’Asti.

Actually, the total production of the 2016 vintage is limited to 19.250 bottles. This choice is linked to the TM philosophy heritage and to the respect of the vines’ cycles. The goal is the production of wines with very low content of sulfites that is the guarantee of wholesomeness and longevity of the product, that begins by selecting only the best grapes during the harvest.

Mysterium refines in barrels for 18 months. After the first malolactic fermentation, the wine is divided in 3 equal parts: 1/3 is poured in barriques of 225 lt of capacity, 1/3 in tonneaux of 500 lt. of capacity and 1/3 in big Slavonia barrels of 2500 lt of capacity. After this period, the wine refines at least for 6 months in bottle. Then, the time of aging of our Barbera d’Asti Superiore, before drinking is at least 24 months. The structure of Mysterium is so peculiar thanks to the balance given by the long refinement, by the tannins and by the malolactic refermentation. Indeed this Barbera has an incredible potential of aging so it could be great drinking the last vintage’s bottle but also compare it to the previous ones and set an unforgettable “vertical” tasting. We recommend to create a small cellar where you can carefully keep different vintages and then taste them after some time, even many years later. In so doing the organoleptic characteristics of Mysterium Barbera d’Asti Superiore, are expressed fully, in the glass, through the power, the fruit, the freshness and the important structure, the elegance, the mineral olfactory complexities given by the territory and to the elegant tannins given by the particular refinement in three types of woods with different toasts. Precisely from the complex spectrum of tastings and the ancient origins of its vineyards, derives the name Mysterium, to pay homage to a grape capable of surprising with its deep red color and reflections between the purple and the black. The bouquet has intense, hints of balsamic, with marked notes of cherry, licorice, cocoa. It covers the palate with warm and intense tones, with tannins present but never intrusive and with great aromatic persistency.

The perfect food pairing with Mysterium? Surely the recipes of the Piedmontese tradition based on meat, from the mixed boiled meat, to the calf cheek with reduction of the same Barbera wine, but also the pigeon with red fruits. A contrast of tastes in which the glass pays homage to a noble course with a very high profile. (Restaurant La Civetta sul Comò)

The vineyards of the Austerum, Barbera d’Asti DOCG, have an extension of 1.5 hectare, facing south, southwest and characterized by a soil made of calcareous clay with slightly silty marls and alkaline pH with considerable water retention. The average age of the vines is 25 years and they are now in the best moment for strength and elegance of expression. The grapes, after the manual harvest, give a wine that improves for 6 months in big Slavonia barrel of 2500 lt of capacity and then for 6 months in bottle. The yearly production counts 12.000 bottles. Austerum is a graceful, generous Barbera, classic and sincere, typical as this wine is, universally appreciated for its pleasant drink and for the versatility in combinations at the table. The intense red color with violet reflections introduces to an olfactory analysis where we find a powerful scent with notes of cherry, raspberry, currant and berries, while the palate is enveloped by a soft and velvety flavor with delicate notes of wild berries jam and with an intense spicy and licorice note in closure. The tannin is well balanced and gifts long persistency on the palate.

Austerum is the ideal wine for the first dishes of the Piedmontese cuisine: from the raviolini del Plin to the agnolotti with roasted meat sauce. The most exigent palates can appreciate the challenge to pair it with our codfish with green sauce. (Restaurant La Civetta sul Comò)

Now, few words about the last 2 hectares cultivated with Barbera in Tenuta Montemagno: their Barbera production is dedicated to Violae, our label that blends Barbera grape, indigenous variety of Monferrato and Syrah, indigenous grape, to make a wine with an international appeal, well appreciated in the wine bars, in the restaurants, in the wine shops.
Violae ages for 6 months in the exhausted barriques, used 3 times for the Mysterium, from which it extracts and preserves the notes of earth, spices and minerals of our Barbera Superiore.
Violae is characterized by an intense red color with cardinal reflections and notes of red fruits, black cherry, nutmeg, slight acidity strength, but not invasive.
The ideal food pairing to enjoy at the best our blend of Barbera and Syrah? Aperitifs, starters, tasty risotti are just some suggestions. Violae is also the perfect wine to prepare the palate to our even more complex wines.

Vigne cantina TMM

The region’s identity and the international recognition

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The philosophy of Tenuta Montemagno valorizes the indigenous varieties of Monferrato: it means giving value to the region itself, to our identity and inheritance.

In this corner of Monferrato, UNESCO heritage for the “infernot” – privates houses‘ cellars excavated in the tufa, the Ruchè is the indigenous variety for definition, together with the Grignolino, the Malvasia (sweet aromatic red grape), the Timorasso and the Barbera d’Asti.  Tenuta Montemagno sets its production credo on these ampelographic varieties that, combined with high technological vinification systems, make its wines a model of quality and innovation.

The wine making scene is various and valuable: the wines from indigenous varieties go together with the international ones. The offer is more and more ample , the wine communication is accurate and specific, distinctive and  professional, the consumer is definitely more educated. In this frame, the issues of the wine guides – Mysterium Barbera d’Asti Superiore docg 2016 finalist  for the  3 bicchieri Gambero Rosso,  the points of the international wine magazines – TM24 brut 92 points of Wine Enthusiast, and the international wine competitions’ medals –The Global Sparkling Masters gold medal  to our TM36 brut, Mundus Vini gold medal to the Soranus Barolo docg the Solis Vis – Timorasso; the silver of IWSC to the Mysterium Barbera d’Asti Superiore docg 2016, and all become the added value .

The prize and the consequent global visibility are important for the producer and the consumer: in some way, they represent the confirmation of quality , identity  and discovery.

The last rewards we published on our social pages and the feedback we had in terms of sale and wine tasting, all remark that the Italian consumer is curious about new wines to approach and is willing  to taste the wines from indigenous grapes. First of all, the consumer wants to be surprised by the deep identity of wine and territory.

The so called “millennians” lead the way.

In the international markets, the medal and the high scores are the confirmation of the increasing attention to the indigenous variety and to the innovative style. These factors inevitably lead to our wines and our wine production philosophy – the TM method.

Tenuta Montemagno, through its vineyards and grapes, tells how the wine marries the nobility of the soil with the sky’s chronicles,  the deep vineyards’ roots with the sunny bunches, and the careful wine maker’s hand with the producer’s intuition.

Our wines guide through a knowledge path that starts from the indigenous variety and goes to the innovation and the tradition, to return, inevitably, to the heart of Tenuta Montemagno.

Montemagno panorama vigneti

The native wines of Tenuta Montemagno, Ruber the grignolino

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The Grignolino is a red indigenous variety of Asti and Casale areas, in Monferrato, Piedmont. Probably is one of the grapes that in this area finds its deep identity.  In the past years, in this region, it was synonym of “a glass of red wine”.

This wine is renowned since the Middle Ages with the name of Barbesino – from Latin Barbexinus and its existence attested by the XIII century citations , reported in the archives of Casale Monferrato.

Therefore, the actual name’s etymology could find its origin from the Asti dialectical noun gragnola or grignole, meaning the numerous seeds in the grape, which is definitely one of the trait of Grignolino. Another theory about the name’s origin, would derive the name Grignolino from the verb grigné – to grind. Luckily, this character has been disproved by the success of Grignolino wine in the oenological panorama, that identifies it as one of the most appreciated and eclectic wines of the Monferrato.

The first note of its existence, in Piedmont, referred that the home of Grignolino grape was the hilly area between the cities of Casale Monferrato and Asti, exactly where Tenuta Montemagno vineyards extend.

It is known that the Grignolino is a niche wine, with a deep roots in the Piedmontese wine tradition, but its production is a demanding process. The vineyards are planted and cultivated  in the Monferrato territory, because of the soil composition and the Terroir. Actually, in the past, some zones of the northern regions of Lombardia and Veneto were cultivated with Grignolino vineyards, but, despite the careful vinification processes and the research for the highest quality, the Grignolino became the grape of our territory – the Monferrato, formed by rugged lands and caressed by the mild southern wind that , together with the peculiar soil composition, both give it delicate aromas and structure.

For the agronomist and the oenologue of Tenuta Montemagno, every new challenge is translated into commitment and dedication. In such case, the goal is clear: making of a wine with a “diminutive name” a  great wine.

Actually, Tenuta Montemagno produces Ruber, Grignolino d’Asti DOC, 100% Grignolino grapes, with the passion and the deep experience that is typical of its production and philosophy .

The rubin red color of Tenuta Montemagno Grignolino d’Asti inspires the name of Ruber: this wine is  elegant, with a marked personality, an ample tannic spectrum on the palate, a dry taste and a very interesting persistency.

In every glass of Grignolino, we find the important oenological story of Piedmont. Ruber is a red wine of friendly character , able to let us enjoy the aperitif – when  served lightly  chilled, and the classical recipes of the Piedmont’s cuisine, as the medium seasoned cheese, the Muletta – typical salame of Monferrato, and the Agnolotti – stuffed pasta.

The secret to valorize its organoleptic structure is to drink the Grignolino with dishes that don’t cover its aromatic notes and delicate balance.

Ruber is available for purchasing on our ONLINE SHOP

Targa Barbera Tenuta Montemagno

TM Brut: the Barbera grape becomes sparkling

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Barbera d’Asti is the identity of Tenuta Montemagno, wine producers in the heart of Monferrato. Actually, Barbera is the variety that most of all tells the story of Tenuta Montemagno, through its 80 years old vineyards, planted on clay and limestone soil with slightly silty marls, Western facing.

Our Metodo Classico are made from Barbera grapes harvested early, hand picking and with a careful grapes selection.

The Barbera is a versatile and  charming variety, capable of being the protagonist: the TM24 and TM36 Brut, are both another expression of its potential. They are sparkling wines born from the synergy of intuition and innovation. The idea  to have the Metodo Classico of 100% Barbera that refines on yeasts for 24 (TM24) and 36 months (TM36) is astonishing.

The perlage of TM Brut 24 is elegant and fine; the bouquet is intense, delicate and generous, notes of yeast and delicate hints of crusty bread, overtones of freshly picked flowers and wild berries. On the palate it is fresh, lively and sapid, with an excellent underlying acidity and clearly expressed minerality. The finish presents light notes of wild plum and currants. Therefore, the peculiar traits of  Barbera – bouquet and acidity, are well present almost as if  weaving the warp on which the other sensations intertwine.

TM Brut 24 has been rated 92 point by Wine Enthusiast, one of the most eminent international wine magazine.

If the TM Brut 24 is “unexpected” because of its structure, color and pleasantness, the Tm Brut 36 is surprising and unique, enough to be awarded with the Gold Medal – category Sparkling Rosé, in the International wine Competition The Global Sparkling Masters 2020.

The bouquet reveals an intense fragrance,  delicate and generous. Notes of yeast and crusty bread, overtones of freshly picked flowers and wild berries. On the palate, it is fresh, lively and savoury, excellent underlying acidity with clearly expressed minerality and a light finish of wild plum and currants.

In this sparkling too, the characteristics of the variety are the texture on which the other perfumes and aromas are waived on. TM24 and TM36 both are the example of how the Barbera grape is a precious and versatile grape, a storyteller of the region. In these sparkling, tradition and innovation are perfectly combined and we can say that TM24 and TM36 are a great examples of wine that becomes sparkling and then, comes back to wine.

Tenuta Montemagno vigneti timorasso sauvignon

NYMPHAE, between tradition and innovation

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The international Sauvignon meets the autochthone Timorasso

If you come to Tenuta Montemagno, the first glance is reserved to the perfect frame of vineyards geometrically surrounding the XVI cent. Estate and the cellar.

Driving along the cobblestones road to the Winery, the Sauvignon raws on the left side and the Timorasso grapes on the right offer an incredible view.

Focus your imagination here, then remind the organoleptic traits of Timorasso – structure, minerals notes and sapidity. Do the same with the Sauvignon grapes: outstanding aromaticity, perfumes and floral scents.

Now, try to  “blend” these sensations and you create one of our most appreciated white wines: Nymphae, blend of 60% Sauvignon and 40% Timorasso.

The combination of these two varieties, the international Sauvignon and the indigenous Timorasso, it gives a full body wine, with very good minerality and an intriguing and delicate bouquet. Nymphae is an innovative project of the founder of Tenuta Montemagno, Mr. Tiziano Barea, supported by the long experience of the enologist Gianfranco Cordero.

Nymphae has a light straw yellow color with delicate greenish nuances. The bouquet reminds the pear, the tomato leave, the acacia and hawthorn flowers. On the palate it is mellow and firm, persistent and structured thanks to the refinement of four months on yeasts. Nymphae is surprising because the peculiarities of both varieties are perfectly combined together in this wine. It is definitely an innovative, international and traditional wine.

The 20 hectares of vineyards owned by Tenuta Montemagno have South – Southwest exposure.

The Timorasso vineyards are located in the front side of the Estate and their exposure is mostly facing southern and the soil composition is predominantly clayey-calcareous with slight water retention given. The vineyards of Sauvignon grow on a clayey-calcareous soil and the exposure is totally facing west.

The high quality fingerprint of Tenuta Montemagno wines is due to the advanced technological system of vinification, the very low sulfites contents and the bottling process in the absence of oxygen. Specifically in Nymphae, the perfumes, the persistency, the pleasantness and the minerality are ample and well defined. As in the style of Tenuta Montemagno, also this Monferrato Bianco doc has a Latin name: Nymphae, inspired by the Greek mythological creatures, dominators of trees and water.

Nymphae is unexpected, unique and versatile. It is great as aperitif and it perfectly matches with the starters, the Piedmontese raw meat, light first dishes, risotto and fish based dished and white meat.

In the Restaurant of Tenuta Montemagno, La Civetta sul Comò, Nymphae is proposed with the Battuta di Fassone Piemontese lavorata a coltello – raw Fassone veal meat knife’s cut, a  Piedmontese recipe masterly interpreted by the Executive Chef Giampiero Vento.

If you want to taste our Nymphae Monferrato Bianco DOC you can find it on our shop online.

Sauvignon Musae Tenuta Montemagno

Musae, the Sauvignon according to Tenuta Montemagno

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Tenuta Montemagno is an ancient farmhouse nestled in the heart of Monferrato and already present in documents dated 1563, that lies on 100 hectares, crossing two provinces – Asti and Alessandria, on the 45th parallel, a latitude that has always been known for high quality wine production.

The soil composition in this area is rich, peculiar and various. There is not only the marl, calcareous and clayey, but there are also chalk’s veins. We are in a land that in the ancient and far past has been covered by the sea. When we work the soil to plant new vines, it happens to discover fossil shells that are the witnesses of the presence of the sea in the ancient times. This is the reason why this soil is rich of minerals and  saline components.

Historically, the cultivation of Sauvignon grape finds its origin during the Romans epoch. They, unlike the Greeks demonstrated that these grapes could also be grown and matured in the Northern regions of Europe. Sauvignon spread also in Provence, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Alsace and Champagne, along the Rhine and Moselle. To date, Sauvignon is one of the most popular  grapes in the world.

In the vineyards of Tenuta Montemagno, with South-west exposure, the Sauvignon grape takes exclusive characters thanks to this specific terroir, and it becomes a sort of “Monferrato’s Sauvignon”.

Tenuta Montemagno interprets this grape variety in its white wine Musae – Monferrato Bianco DOC. This is the result of the vinification of both Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris (mutation of Sauvignon Blanc and differentiated by the pink berry), vinified in purity.

Musae is different because of its delicate aromaticity and the outstanding minerality.

The characteristics of the two ampelographic varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris of  Musae, both allow to obtain intense aromas, with delicate olfactory notes of white flowers, acacia and hawthorn, with notes of citrus, pear, grapefruit and passion fruit.

On the palate the wine appears complex with unique aromatic persistence.

Mellow and decisive in the mouth thanks to the contact on yeasts. Elegant and pleasantly fresh, it distinguishes itself for the amazing aftertaste. Served at a temperature of 10-12 ° C, Musae is the perfect wine to accompany aperitifs and seasonal dishes and for your Summer time!

On our online shop, you can learn more about the characteristics of our Sauvignon (Musae) and get it directly on your table.

Try it with the Fassona tartare or with the Piedmontese traditional veal with tuna, post your photos or videos and tag #tenutamontemagno.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to leave the art of cooking to others, but you appreciate good wine, we invite you to buy our Sauvignon and “tag us” at the time of the tasting, revealing your favorite combinations.

The aging process of white wines in Tenuta Montemagno

The white wines produced by Tenuta Montemagno, obtained from Timorasso and Sauvignon vines, follow a cryo-maceration for a few hours and a squeezing with a soft press in a completely anaerobic environment, i.e. with oxygen deprived air. The goal of all the manufacturing processes in the cellar (from pressing to maceration to bottling) is to avoid oxidation and to obtain a product with persistent aromas, great longevity and very low sulphite content.