Vietti La Crena 2011 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,…
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.
Barolo Vigna Conca 2004 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…
Ever heard of the Cedar Tree? 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…
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….
Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2010 Wine: 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)
We all know I love wine. But I think it is very important to remember and recognize the people who make the wine. It’s those people who make the decisions and take care of the grapes that eventually becomes the wine we drink. One of my favorite things to do is to talk to the…
