I try to go to as many winemakers dinners as possible so when Oddero was in town, I had to go! It’s always nice to see Pietro and Isabella; this time it was Pietro who came to Oslo.
I have been to Mauro Veglio’s winery many times, both for visits and for a coffee break. But I went back again for a visit this time because my brother had never been for an official winery tour and tasting. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Daniela, and Mauro of course (although it’s easier to have a conversation with him if you speak Italian). Daniela was kind enough to show us Barolo 2013 from the tanks, so we could compare them to the 2012’s. It’s always interesting to compare vintages.
Looking forward to visiting again soon, and of course drink more of their wines!
My first visit to Pira was a few years ago, and the visit was hilarious. My family and Pira together. We spoke little italian and he claimed to speak very little English. He was either being modest or he got better over the years because he spoke English very well this year. He was accompanied by his daughter this time; he was teaching her to do visits and tours. So while we were tasting it was the daugther that presented the wines, and Pira would add on if needed.
We tasted the 2012’s as well as 2014 Barbera and Nebbiolo and 2015 Dolcetto. I really like the 2012’s, although they will be way better in a few years, they are quite drinkable now. 2014 was a difficult vintage so the wines are not the best compared to the year before or the year after. All in all, a very nice visit! I hope be back very soon!
I am! Every year in La Morra there is a wine event called Mangialonga. You basically drink and eat along a path and it ends with a big party in the town square of La Morra. Definately worth a try if you are in the area!
This year Mangialonga is Sunday August 28th!
Check out the Mangialonga Website for more information!
Wine: Barolo Bricco Delle Viole
Producer: Marengo
Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy
Grape varieties: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2009
Eye: ruby red
Nose: rose, dark berry, spice
Mouth: black cherry, cinnamon, vanilla
Price Point: $32
Available at Vinmonopolet: not yet
When you visit with Nadia it’s more like a casual aperitivo than a wine tasting. She offers some salami and cheese, opens a few wines and you just sit around and drink together. I always love coming here, I just have the best time. Nadia is wonderful, extremely funny and very kind. It was a while since I’d been there, and one thing that was very different from last time was her labels! She completely changed them, as you see above. Below are her old labels.
My brother enjoying the wine and salami
The 2012’s are looking really good, it was a treat to taste her 2012 Arborina. She brought out a 2007 so we could compare them, which is always fascinating. The 2007 is showing well. Nadia also makes a Freisa, which is a lesser known wine, but quite a few producers make it. Sometimes it’s fizzy and sometimes not, some make it one way on purpose and others make it so it’s fizzy one year and not fizzy another. Anyways, it was an excellent visit and I hope to be back soon!
New label vs Old label
Wine: Barolo Vigna Giachini
Producer: Giovanni Corino
Region/Appellation: Barolo, Piemonte
Grape varieties: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2006
Eye: bright ruby red
Nose: fruity, cherry and raspberry, some licorice, roses,
Mouth: silky tannins, easy to drink, fruity, balanced with firm structure
Price Point: $71
Available at Vinmonopolet: Not yet…
Piemonte is easily associated with good food. Good pizza, however, is hard to come by. If you are looking for Pizza, Monforte is the place to go. Right in the Piazza is an excellent pizza place. The have other dishes of course but it is a common place to get pizza. They also have a very good wine list and because it’s located in the piazza, it is usually quite lively. One Friday during our vacation, we had Friday Pizza here. I got my usual Margherita with prosciutto! It was belissimo!
Freisa Bartolo MascarelloWine: Langhe Freisa
Producer: Bartolo Mascarello
Region/Appellation: Italy, Barolo
Grape varieties: Freisa
Vintage: 2013
Eye: opaque, purple crimson hue
Nose: raspberry, cherry, red fruit, tea
Mouth: fruit, some yeast, slightly fizzy
Price point: $23
Available at Vinmonopolet: NO
PIEMONTEGIRL 