Nebbiolo evening, Corino and Curto
Langhe Nebbiolo @ Cantina Granveien
Friday Pizza and Pizza Wine, trying something new.
Burlotto is always a good choice.
Crashing my parents lunch so I can drink some good wine @ Le Benjamin
Blind Tasting is always fun!
Wine: La Crena
Producer: Vietti
Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy
Grape varieties: Barbera
Vintage: 2011
Eye: Rich ruby purple color
Nose: Raspberry, cherry, some vanilla and spices
Mouth: dark fruits, balanced acidity
Price Point: $40
Available at Vinmonopolet: Yes
This was my first time visiting Gianfranco Alessandria, although not the first time trying his wines. His two daughters, Vittoria and Marta, showed us around and tasted with us. Gianfranco took over the winery after his father died in 1986, which happened to be the year of the freak hailstorm that destroyed all the vines, so no wine was produced that year.
Today the family produced about 45 000 bottles of wine spread out across the different wines. They produce Dolcetto, Barbera, Barbera “Superiore”, Langhe Nebbiolo, Barolo and one Barolo Cru.
We tried the 2015 Dolcetto, Barbera and Langhe Nebbiolo. 2015 is looking good, very powerful and intense compared to the 2014 which are more light. Then we tried the Barbera “Vittoria” 2013, a more concentrated and powerful Barbera due to the age of the vines and the more strict selection of grapes. The 2012 Barolo does not have as strong a structure as the 2011, but it is a more classic vintage. It may take some more time in the bottle, but I though it drank very nicely. Last we tried their Cru, Barolo San Giovanni 2o12. I have tried this before, but a 2000 (it was 15 years old at the time) and it was fantastic. I am excited to see the evolution of the 2012.
Finally back in Piemonte. It’s vacation time, which means lots of eating and drinking. And many winery visits. The next few days are full of exciting visits many different producers.
The Barolo Chapel is located in the midst of the vineyards, right besides the well known vineyard of Brunate. This chapel used to be a shelter for the workers but is now a piece of art and a must see when you are in the area.
I am officially on vacation! Ahead lies 3 days in Beaune and 17 days in Italy! There are many wine tastings on the schedule, amongst them Domain Michel Lafarge and hopefully Liger-Belair. I am looking forward to visiting some new wineries and seeing old friends again.
Wine: Barolo Vigna Conca
Producer: Revello Fratelli
Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy
Grape varieties: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2004
Eye: dark, reddish brown
Nose: wet leather, medicine cabinet, some dark fruit, spices
Mouth: still some tannins, very silky at the beginning, slight short finish
Price Point: $55
Available at Vinmonopolet: Yes, but likely not this vintage
Located in the backyard of Cordero di Montezemolo, you find this beautiful cedar tree. It was planted as a wedding gift in 1856 by the family, the heirs of Cordero di Montezemolo.
The tradition these days is to hug the tree, and of course we did exactly that. Maybe you want to try the next time you are in the area?
I enjoy reading wine books, browsing the pictures, learning about grape varieties and wine regions. The newest addition to my wine book collection is “Labor of Love” by Suzanne Hoffman.
I actually had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne at a dinner last summer. At the time I was working with Silvia Altare at her winery. We met up with many other winemaker women at a restaurant in Barolo. Chiara Boschis, Silvia Altare, Marta Rinaldi and a few other women were there. The only man at the table was Suzanne’s husband, and at the end we were joined by Enzo Brezza.
Suzanne’s book is about all the women in winemaking. So may families in Piemonte now have only women running the show at the wineries. And “Labor of Love’ highlights the women in these winemaker families. These women will carry on the work and traditions going forward and I am really excited to see what’s in store for the future.
Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2010Wine: Barolo Castiglione
Producer: Vietti
Region/Appellation: Piemonte
Grape varieties: Nebbiolo
Vintage: 2010
Eye: Dark ruby red
Nose: Cherries, strwaberries, hint of tobacco
Mouth: Plum, spices, cherries. Good tannins with long finish.
Price Point: $58
Available at Vinmonopolet: Yes (but maybe not 2010 vintage)
PIEMONTEGIRL 