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!
Every year we have an event called “Pylsa & Barolo”. The event is in reality my fathers birthday celebration, but he doesn’t like to celebrate his birthday, so he organizes a garden party instead. The whole concept is that we serve different kinds of Hot Dogs with Barolo as the wine pairing. It is a strange combination but somehow it just works.
This year’s lineup was composed of what we call “family wine”. Over the years we have made many friends in Barolo, and some of these winemakers have become part of the family along the way. Bartolo Mascarello has always been a favorite, and we are a big fan of Maria Teresa and Alan. If we are having #family wine” Altare has to be on the list. Not only have I worked at the winery, they are our oldest friends in Barolo. Their neighbors, Mauro Veglio are also considered part of the family. Daniela and Mauro are wonderful. Last but not least there is Vietti. Luca and Elena are a riot and I always feel at home with them. My favorite thing to do with them is to sit around their dining table, listening to the family while drinking wine and eating home made food. I wish they could all have been there yesterday but at least I will see them all in July!
This was the final tally. 24 bottles of wine.
We started the day at Blenheim, after we strapped ourselves into the bunad. I had been looking forward to Blenheim, however I was very disappointed. The service was awful, the food was not great and they had strayed from their “from farm to table” philosophy. A shame, really, because I really liked Blenheim.
After Blenheim, we went straight to a T. Edwards wine tasting to meet up with Veglio and Gianfranco Alessandria. The highlight of my day. I stood in between their two booths and drank wine, ate piemonte hazelnuts and poured wine for the customers. My happy place.
After the tasting, the whole group went to the Bowery Hotel and had some champagne. Epic. Just Epic.
I woke up at 6… In my defense I went to bed at 21:45, so I got a decent amount of sleep. After walking around in Soho, my brother and I went to Barry’s Bootcamp (which was amazing) before we met up for lunch at Otto. I have been to Otto a few times, and it is a place I like to go. However, today’s experience did not reflect past visits. I was very disappointed. The wine, Langhe by Burlotto, was very good. That is one area where Otto is doing well: they have a very good wine list. Many wines that are good but not so expensive.
The day quickly turned around because I was lucky to have aperitivo with Mauro Veglio, his wife Daniela and a few other piemonte people, including Marta Alessandria. It is always great to see the Veglios and today was no exception. I got to practice my italian, meet some new people and of course drink some wine. I hope to see them tomorrow or Tuesday as well.
We, my family and I, ended the evening at Lupa. As I have probably mentioned before, Lupa is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is so comfortable and the staff is amazing. If you go, you should try both the Bucatini and the Tartufo (both pictured above). So good. The wine, Marcarini, was good but should be kept for longer. It was too closed off, not enough freshness.
It’s my birthday; need I say more!
Almost a year ago, I had the pleasure of participating in the Mangialonga.
For those of you who don’t know, Mangialonga is basically a “walkathon” where you walk about 2km, while eating and drinking. Drinking a lot!
EVERYONE is welcome (you have to buy a ticket of course), but last year dogs, and kids, and adults, and cripples and whatever else came through the Start line and the crossed the finish line a few drops of alcohol later.
At the end, there is a party, with Moscato (as much as you may desire).
PIEMONTEGIRL 