Laiolo Reginin L'Intruso Asti DOC Grignolino 2023

Laiolo Reginin L'Intruso Asti DOC Grignolino is a distinctive red from Asti in Piemonte, a region celebrated for its wealth of native grape varieties and centuries-old winemaking traditions. While Piemonte is internationally renowned for Barolo and Barbaresco, Grignolino is one of its most historic and characterful local grapes, offering a unique expression of the region.

Produced by the family-run Laiolo Reginin estate, this wine champions Grignolino, a variety cultivated in Piemonte since at least the Middle Ages. The name L'Intruso, meaning "The Intruder," playfully reflects the wine’s unconventional personality and its ability to stand apart from more familiar Piedmontese reds, highlighting the winery’s commitment to preserving lesser-known regional varieties.

This is an authentic and individual Italian red that celebrates the diversity and heritage of Piemonte, ideal for antipasti, charcuterie and relaxed meals shared with friends.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

Type: Red Wine
Style: Light-bodied, Fresh, Elegant
Grape Varietal: Grignolino
Tastes Like: Comparable to a refined Pinot Noir, but lighter, more savoury and with firmer tannins
Alcohol Percentage: 13%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Asti DOC
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Terroir: Rolling hillside vineyards with calcareous clay and sandy soils that promote finesse and aromatic complexity
Aging: Fermented and matured primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal character
Serving Temperature: 14–16℃ – Serve slightly cool

Laiolo Reginin is a family-owned winery in the Asti hills of Piedmont, dedicated to preserving the region's rich winemaking heritage and its distinctive native grape varieties. Combining traditional vineyard practices with careful, modern winemaking, the estate produces wines that express the authenticity and character of their local terroir.

L'Intruso, meaning "The Intruder", celebrates Grignolino—one of Piedmont's oldest and most distinctive grape varieties. With its elegant structure, lively freshness and unmistakable personality, the wine reflects the estate's commitment to showcasing lesser-known regional varieties that deserve a place alongside Piedmont's more famous wines.

Charcuterie: Perfect with cured meats, salami and prosciutto
Poultry: Excellent with roast chicken, duck or turkey
Pasta: Pairs beautifully with mushroom pasta or light tomato-based sauces
Italian Classics: Ideal with vitello tonnato, antipasti or pizza with cured meats

Toma Piemontese: Mild and buttery, a classic regional pairing
Robiola: Soft and creamy, complements the wine's freshness
Fontina: Nutty and semi-soft, enhances the wine's savoury character
Young Pecorino: Lightly salty, balances the wine's bright acidity and fine tannins

Polenta con Funghi (Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms)

Ingredients:

• 200g instant polenta
• 800ml vegetable stock
• 40g butter
• 60g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 300g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring the vegetable stock to the boil and gradually whisk in the polenta.
2. Cook according to the packet instructions until thick and creamy, then stir through the butter and Parmigiano.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the mushrooms until golden.
4. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for one minute until fragrant.
5. Season with salt and cracked black pepper, then stir through the parsley.
6. Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls, top with the mushrooms and serve immediately.

A comforting winter favourite throughout the hills of Monferrato and Asti, creamy polenta and earthy mushrooms complement Grignolino's vibrant cherry fruit, gentle spice and refreshing acidity, creating a beautifully balanced regional pairing.