News at Vinmonopolet

Mostly new vintage releases, but there is a new kid on the block. Below are some of my tastings notes, in alphabetical order:

Bartolo Mascarello Dolcetto d’Alba

Although I have not tried this vintage from Maria Teresa, I stand by her wines. Sad her wines are so expensive in Norway, especially when she sells them way cheaper directly from her cellar.

Cigliuti Barbera d’Alba

Concentrated with aroma of dark fruits and berries. Long aftertaste.

Diego e Damiano Barale Dolcetto d’Alba

Fruity and fresh, yet complex, both on the nose and in the mouth. Violets and dark berries on the nose. The vines, grown in San Giovanni, are 50 years old.

Diego e Damiano Barale Langhe Nebbiolo

A very drinkable Nebbiolo from Monforte, with vines planted by their grandfather in the San Giovanni vineyard about 40-50 years ago. The brothers use 2nd or 3rd passage tonno because they prefer to taste the natural tannins. One interesting aspect of the vinification is that they take out the seeds, a practice they learned from Vajra. A beautiful nose, elegant tannins and a long finish.

Elvio Cogno Dolcetto d’Alba Mandorlo

Typical 2019 Dolcetto – Powerful and more structured than the past few vintages. You can read more about Dolcetto 2019 here. Elvio Cogno Dolcetto 2019 – Aroma of dark berries and other dark fruits.

Pylsa & Barolo

Pylsa og Barolo lineup

Happy birthday, dad!

It’s that time of year again. Pylsa & Barolo. Hot dogs and red wine.

Pylsa & Barolo 2018 went off without a hitch and as you can see we drank some good wines. We started the night off with champagne from Pierre Peters (a bubbly that even I enjoy) and moved into 2011 barolo while eating hot dogs flown in from Idsøe in Stavanger.

2011 is supposed to be a very approachable vintage now, but for me it is still too young. We all know I prefer older barolo. Unfortunately I did not make it to all of the wines as many disappeared long before they reached my table. But some of my favorites include Vietti Castiglione, Marengo Brunate and Bartolo Mascarello. I had some Altare Cerretta, and although this is a very good wine, for me it is a little too masculine and should have stayed in the cellar another decade.