N’Ombra de Vin

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When I first moved to Milano I asked my wine friends about good places to go in the city. One of the first places on everyone’s lists was N’Ombra de Vin. And for a good reason. For a wine person it’s like dying and going to heaven. The walls are COVERED in wine bottles and guess what?! You can just go along the wall and pick one (if you can’t find something you want on the list). The first night they had Elio’s Dolcetto on the list and I was ecstatic. However the next time I went it was no longer on the list. But I didn’t have to worry; they just went to the Piemonte section and fetched me Elio’s Langhe Nebbiolo instead. And ever since, I just go directly to the wall and find what I want. You have to ask them about the price because it’s not always written, and some may find it a little expensive, but I am always willing to pay a little more for a good bottle of wine.

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Another aspect of going to a wine bar in Italy are all the small snacks that accompany the drinks. It obviously varies from place to place, both in quality and quantity, but at N’Ombra de Vin they are very generous with their snacks. Speaking of good service, when I ordered the Larigi they brought Zalto glasses. They appreciate good wines, and want the customers to truly enjoy the wine experience. Many of the employees at N’Ombra de Vin are very passionate about wine, and it’s always a pleasure to chat with them about wine.

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So, if you are in the area and looking for a good wine bar, you should go here!

 

What a weekend!

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Dinner at More e Macine, La Morra

I will just share one photo for now from the wonderful weekend I just spent in Barolo. The weekend was filled with good wine, tasty food, amazing people and horrible weather! But for me the weather doesn’t play a huge role, especially with so many incredible people surrounding me.

The photo is from my Birthday dinner on Friday with my winemaker friends. You can spot Silvia Altare and Gigi, Giuliano and Stefania Corino, Nadia Curto and her husband Davide, Jenny Battaglino and Marco Marengo, my friends from Norway and my brother Ask. Quite a group of people! Not pictured is Fabio Burlotto and Chiara Boschis. I am so grateful that so many wonderful people wanted to share in my birthday celebration!

What is your favorite movie about wine?

I have actually only seen one of these; Barolo Boys The Movie. Which ones do you recommend?

 

Would you do me a favor?

If you didn’t know, I am currently enrolled in a master program at Politecnico di Milano. I have a group project, and luckily for me the subject is wine. If you have 3 minutes, would you mind taking this survey?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScweeWN_AacBhwoRvmUn92r5Etkf5fnddqLS7sQ6y-33JZVUA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thank you in advance!

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100 points

img_9715First of, huge congratulations to my friend Fabio on receiving 100 points from Antonio Galloni on his 2013 Monvigliero. Having been a big fan of Fabio and his wines for a while, I am not surprised he received a top score for his wine. When I was in Barolo recently, coincidentally the day after the review came out, I went to visit Fabio. And I was fortunate enough to try the 100 point wine, Monvigliero 2013. Now, I always think it’s difficult to drink young Barolo’s with pleasure. But aside from that, the wine was really good. In Galloni’s own words: But the Monvigliero, well, it enters the realm of the deeply moving. It is a wine that will leave readers weak at the knees.” You can read the review on http://vinous.com/, but I think you might need an account to read the full articles.

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Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines

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Many of the winemakers in Piemonte (more specifically Barolo) have become my friends and it is always a joy to see when their wines make it to the top of the lists. Marengo’s Bricco Delle Viole reached #15 on Wine Spectators Top 100 Wines! Congratulations Marco, Jenny and Marenghino!

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See the full list here: http://top100.winespectator.com/lists/

 

 

Christmas 2016

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Christmas was celebrated in Cantina Granveien, as it has been for the past 5 years. We have many traditions, including the yearly santa hat photo as seen above. For us Christmas is centered around food and wine with several wine paired meals. The day before Christmas Eve (Lillejulaften) seafood and white wine is on the menu. This year it was 2002 themed with Comtes Laffo and Bonneau du Martray. Very interesting stuff.

A Year in Review

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January: Hedonism Wines London

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February: Oddero Winemaker’s Dinner in Oslo

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March: Celebrating my Birthday with Guiseppe Cavallotto

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April: Chiara Boschis and Claudia Cigliuti at Terrioriet

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May: Crashing a wine tasting in NYC with Mauro Veglio and his wife Daniela

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June: Drinking from a really large glass at Le Benjamin

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July: Hanging out at Romanee Conti

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August: Working at Mangialonga

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September: Fine dining at BA53 with a friend

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October: My first harvest

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November: I’m back in Piemonte, again…

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December: Back with the family for Christmas

 

Favorite Italian Whites part 2

Ca Brione, Nino Negri: I drank the Ca Brione for the first time in a tiny wine bar located in the beautiful town of Bellagio on Lago di Como. It was an instant favorite. Refreshing on a warm summer day, but really suits any season.

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Langhe Chardonnay, Cavallotto: Again, Cavallotto is one of my favorite producers, and in addition to his Pinner, his Langhe Chardonnay is very good! I prefer chardonnay less sweet and oaky, so a langhe chardonnay from Piemonte is just perfect for me!

Roero Arneis, Vietti: Slighly biased since I worked with them and they are my good friends, but I think this is one of the best whites from the Barolo region. Very fresh, earthy and easy to drink.

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