Tag Archives: burlotto

News @ Vinmonopolet

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It’s officially Spring, which means that the newest vintage is making its way to stores. The same is true in Norway. So if you’re living in Norway, mark your calendars for May 8th!

In addition to new vintages, there are also new “kids on the block”! Keep reading to find out more!

Diego Morra Rosato 2019
For the first time you’ll find Diego Morra wines in Norway! This wine, a Langhe Rosato, is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes and is what I would call a “food rosè”, perfect with summer salads or fish.

Ghiomo Inprimis Langhe Arneis 2019
Fasten your seatbelts, because this is a newcomer in Norway as well. The Ghiomo winery is located in Guarene, a commune bordering on the more well known wine regions in Piemonte like Barolo and Barbaresco. The Langhe Arneis Inprimis is a fresh and fruity white wine that pairs well with fish and shellfish. Perfect for summer!

Bartolo Mascarello Dolcetto 2018
There is not much to say about Mascarello that has not already been said. And unfortunately I’ve not tried the 2018 vintage yet, but 2018 looks more promising for Dolcetto than 2017 was. I guess time will tell.

Burlotto Barbera Aves 2018
As far as Barbera goes, this might be one of my absolute favorites. His classic Barbera is good, but the Aves is just on a whole other level. I can’t wait to try the 2018 vintage!

Nadia Curto Barbera 2017
Did you know that you could get Nadia’s wines in Norway? You can! And the 2017 Barbera will be available Friday May 8th! Modernist or Traditionalist? If there is anyone I know that doesn’t “belong” in any boxes, it’s Nadia Curto. Her winemaking style is influenced by both her father and her uncle, and she applies the different methods to different wines. Does it matter what style you prefer, if your wines are good? I don’t think so.

Wines under 300kr

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If you’re located in Norway, check out these wines that are currently available at Vinmonopolet. These days it can be difficult to find a good quality wine under 300kr, for various reasons, but here are some worth mentioning.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to queue for these wines

White Wine

Kruger-Rumpf Schiefer Trocken 168kr
The wines from Kruger-Rumpf are growing on me, and although this was a little “green” on the nose, I quite enjoyed it. As we wine people say: “It was good in the mouth.” Which means we like it. Riesling, known for its acidity, didn’t disappoint in this wine. Lots of citrus and yellow stone fruit flavors.

Roche De Bellene Bourgogne Chardonnay 190kr
If you’re looking for a white burgundy and don’t want to break the bank, try this one.

Domaine de Bellene Saint-Romain Vieilles Vignes 310kr
(Yes, I know its not under 300, but I think its still worth mentioning).
Those extra 10kr are well worth it, in my opinion.

Red Wine

Azelia Barbera 289kr
Recently back on the market in Norway, this Barbera will definately become a staple at my house. You know when you’re drinking a wine, and you just can’t seem to put the glass down? That’s exactly what happened with Azelia’s Barbera. Acidity on point, lots of fruit, long finish – all good things when reviewing a wine.

Burlotto Barbera 2018 285kr
The 2018 Barbera from Burlotto recently arrived in Norway and it’s good. High in acidity, but still balanced, the fruit sort of explodes in your mouth and puts a smile on your face.

Luigi Pira Dolcetto 199kr
Currently one of the best buys at Vinmonopolet. Dolcetto’s are few and far between in Norway, but this one made it in and it’s a good one.

Trediberri Langhe Nebbiolo 189kr
Never get tired of mentioning this wine. As we say in Norway, “Løp å kjøp”!

Barbera – My Favorites

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I was recently asked about barbera, and if I had a favorite. This is a tough question to answer, because there are so many good ones. And so many different styles. I don’t think I could pinpoint just one, and here’s why.

Barbera vs Barbera Superiore

Barbera is a grape, and just like with Nebbiolo, there are multiple ways to make it. Most winemakers have a “classic” barbera, a wine made in steel tanks with no influence of wood. The wine completes both malolactic and alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks, and remain there until bottling. These wines tend to be high in acidity, full bodied with aromas of red fruits.

You will also find barbera superiore, and this wine will have influence of oak. After pressing the juice, the wine is transferred into barrels and complete the malolactic and alcoholic fermentation in barrels instead of steel tanks.* The wood gives the wine some tannins, helps balance the acidity and you might find hints of oak flavor.

“The Mario Fontana Way”

Mario Fontana is what we would call a “traditional” wine maker, and uses big barrels for all his wines. Except his Barbera. A few years ago, he decided to use cement for this grape because that made more sense to him. And we see this with other winemakers. They may chose to interpret the grapes in different ways, and use new types of material when cultivating them. Kinda cool, right?

Now, you can see where choosing a favorite can be difficult. However, there are a few I tend to chose over and over again.

Barbera

What’s available Vinmonopolet

Trediberri Barbera d’Alba 189kr
Altare Barbera d’Alba 285kr
Burlotto Barbera d’Alba 285kr
Azelia Punta (superiore) 289kr
Cavallotto Vigna Cuculo (superiore) 300kr
Vietti La Crena (superiore) 460kr

Other Favorites

Altare Larigi
Giovanni Corino Ciabot dù Re
Burlotto Aves
Marengo Vigna Pugnane

There are so many others, but if I had to chose a few then these are high on my list.

*this might vary from winery to winery, but is a general idea of how to make this wine

Wines for Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is coming up, and you might be on the hunt for a wine to go with your plans. Maybe you’re cooking a special meal for your significant other and need a wine that pairs with your food? Or you’re watching romcom’s with popcorn and want something other than diet coke?

Champagne for Valentine's Day

Here are some suggestions:

Bereche Champagne and Blini with Caviar

Vietti Moscato and strawberries (potentially chocolate covered)

JM Boillot Macon-Village goes well with seafood

Burlotto Barbera and Salsiccia Ragu – match made in heaven

Elvio Cogno Dolcetto and Pizza. I know Valentine’s Day is not on a Friday, but pizza is good any day!

Have you ever heard of the grape Pelaverga?

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Burlotto Pelaverga

Pelaverga is a very special grape that is indigenous to Verduno in Piemonte. There are not that many winemakers that make wine with the pelaverga grape (I don’t think I have tried any other pelaverga wines) but I really like the one Burlotto makes.

wow burlotto pelaverga 2014

Wine: Pelaverga

Producer: Burlotto

Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy

Grape varieties: pelaverga

Vintage: 2014

 

Eye: light, clear red color

Nose: white pepper, floral notes, nuts, cherries

Mouth: light, fruity, good acidity, light dry tannins

Price Point: $20

Available at Vinmonopolet: yes, but may be sold out

Available at Systembolaget: no

Burlotto – A treasure in Verduno

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Burlotto – The Palm Tree King (and winemaker of course)

Not only does Burlotto grow palm trees, he also makes excellent wines! In a beautiful house in Verduno, you will find a winemaker of the ages (and his 2 beautiful dogs). I am known for my love of La Morra but I will happily visit Fabio in Verduno any day!

Palm trees

Fabio makes various wines, including a few varieties beyond the barbera and nebbiolo. In the lineup you will find a Sauvignon Blanc, Pelaverga and Freisa. He also makes a barbera “superiore” – the Aves.  An impressive libabry, full of passion and high quality.

Burlotto Tasting

You may also know that he received 100 points from Antonio Galloni for his Monvigliero 2013 – very impressive stuff. I have always thought his wines were top quality but the 100 points must be nice regardless. If you know me, then you know that I care more about the people than I do about points on a scale, but I am very happy for him as it’s quite an honor to receive 100 points from Galloni.

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Signor Toni’s Wine of The Week

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More like Wine of the Month

Burlotto Aves: Toni’s new obssession. And honestly, can you blame him? Burlotto has been a favorite for quite some time, but for some reasone the Aves 2016 has really impressed Toni (an myself). When you drink it you think that this is how a barbera should taste.

Burlotto Aves 2016

Wine of the Week Burlotto Aves

Wine: Aves

Producer: Burlotto

Region/Appellation: Piemonte, Italy

Grape varieties: Barbera

Vintage: 2016

 

Eye: dark purple, typical barbera color

Nose: violets, blueberry, spices

Mouth: dark fruits, floral, spices

Price Point: $22

Available at Vinmonopolet: no

Available at Systembolaget: no