In 1900 a Frenchman named Pierre Tintero set out for Piedmont in search of work. He found an opportunity to do odd jobs at a small estate where widow Rosina Cortese was struggling to handle all the work herself. Pierre, called “Pietrin” by the locals, quickly became a vital part of the estate and also fell in love with the widow, whom he married two years later. The couple continued to work the vines together and bottled their own Dolcetto for the first time just as war fell in 1914. Years later their grandson would find a stash of this vintage hidden within the walls of the cellar, certainly a precaution against ransacking troops who passed through the area. Pietrin and Rosina’s two sons, Giovanni and Carlo, eventually took over the estate and expanded it by purchasing adjacent vineyard plots. Elvio has now handed the reins over to the next generation, but he continues to help his son Marco and daughter-in-law Cinzia run the estate.
One thing to know about Marco Tintero is that he is first and foremost the Italian equivalent of a gourmand, a true bon vivant. He cures his own sausage, makes his own wine (clearly), and has hosted his own bed-and-breakfast for years: he simply loves to indulge in, and celebrate, the fortunes of Piedmont. The wines he produces, albeit gentle on your wallet, are anything but slight. They are proud ambassadors for the region and accomplish something great: they capture the beauty and diversity of Piedmont’s local grape varieties, and the earthy character of its undulating hillsides.
Elvio Tintero Tintero Vino Rosso is a fantastic everyday table wine that is quite refined and structured for its modest price. It is so versatile with bright red fruit, plums & violet on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied, evoking brambly fruit, tobacco, and licorice, Tintero’s Rosso offers a perfect entry point to the charms of Piemonte. It is a fun blend of Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and a splash of Cabernet Franc. Barbera provides irresistible bite and mouthwatering acidity, while Dolcetto delivers generous fruit notes and depth. The Nebbiolo adds a bright pop of red fruit, the Cabernet Franc brings a lovely herbal note & a splash of dusty tannins. This is an affordable, crowd-pleasing Italian red that's great to bring to party even if you do not know what is being served.
