Wine: Dolcetto
Producer: Elio Altare
Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy
Grape varieties: Dolcetto
Vintage: 2015
Eye: Intense violet
Nose: black cherry, violets, minerals
Mouth: soft, medium body, cherries, some spice
Price Point: $13
Available at Vinmonopolet: yes
“Wine Tourist” season is coming up, so I thought I would suggest a few wineries to visit. There are an incredible amount of wineries in the Piemonte region, about 400, and most of them are not that well known. There are also new ones starting as well, so the options are endless.
If you don’t know very much about wine or the Barolo region, you should visit Chiara Boschis. Her visits are chock full of information; she will take you all the way from the roman times to the present, giving you a full history of the region. Chiara is one of the “Barolo Boys” (yes, I know she is a woman), and along with the Barolo Boys she was part of the revolution that turned Barolo into a world wide phenomenon. In addition to her educational visits, another good reason to visit with her is her incredible energy. Her passion for what she does is incredible and her positive energy is contagious.
Her winery is located in the town of Barolo, and her vineyards are spread out through the region. She produces the “normal” line up, ranging from dolcetto to barolo. Her wines were recently rated by Antonio Galloni, and she received 96 points for her Barolo Via Nuova, 96 points for her Barolo Cannubi and 94 points for her Barolo Mosconi.
Wine: Barolo Monvigliero
Producer: Burlotto
Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy
Grape varieties: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2013
Eye: ruby red
Nose: Rose, lavender, spices, white pepper
Mouth: Floral, spice, cinnamon, orange peel
Price Point: $50
Available at Vinmonopolet: Yes
First 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.
Wine Glass Writer is a non toxic, temporary marker that can be used in many different scenarios.
Having a party and don’t want to waste wine due to “glass abandonment”? Serving a cake and want to decorate or write a message on the platter? Need a creative place-setting idea? Wine glass writer is perfect!
One of the main uses in my house is for blind tasting. That way everyone knows which wine is in what glass and there is no confusion (which used to happen a lot!)
I recently won a contest and now have 4 markers: black, green, pink and purple. I love my new colorful ones and can’t wait to throw a dinner party once I move back to Oslo.
You can buy the markers on their website. Check out their products here: /http://wineglasswriter.com/
Wine: Barbera d’Alba
Producer: Mauro Veglio
Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy
Grape varieties: Barbera
Vintage: 2014
Eye: Intense ruby red, some violet
Nose: red fruits, cherry and plums
Mouth: well balanced, good acidity, mineral, medium body
Price Point: $19
Available at Vinmonopolet: Yes
Every summer the town of Barolo hosts a music festival in its city center. They have pretty impressive lineups; last year Sting performed, and this year Robbie Williams will perform.
If you are in the area around the 16th and 17th of July, check it out!
Check out their website for more information!
PIEMONTEGIRL 