12 January, 2018 2008 Accornero Centenario “Classic CS – aromas, flavors, structure – though by classic, I mean the Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa and Sonoma that I began drinking twenty years ago (and those were largely 10-20 years old already). So that classic. Has nothing to do with the CS that most are opening today, a year or…
Category: Piedmont
Alto Monferrato’s Hidden Treasure(s) – Cantine Valpane, Part I
At this point, I’ve visited many hundred wineries/estates. I generally meet with the winegrower and/or agronomist; often, one man (or woman) is both. In the instant case, that many is Pietro Arditi, a self-taught winegrower that has a kind, pleasant and inspiring humility; he’s also got a great sense of humor. Pietro’s in charge of…
Enlightening experience with White Moscato – 2009 Forteto della Luja Loazzolo Vendemmia Tardiva
The Piasa di Rischei vineyard, surface area 2.273 acres,n(~ 1 hectare) altitude 1.540 feet, gradient 35%, South-West exposure (240 wind rose); training system low Guyot with 8.000 plants/hectare. Average production 22 hectolitres/hectare. The vineyard, which already existed in 1874, is bordered by walls, surrounded by plum trees and almond trees. lt is a vineyard of long standing…
Exceptionally beautiful, 2012 Cascina Chicco Barolo Rocche di Castelletto
I’ve not tasted this wine since its release. At that time, the wine was, not unexpectedly, a bit closed. In the interim, I’ve had many 2012 Barolo wines from a good cross-section of producers. Results have been, for me, generally quite good, with very few falling into an exceptional category; I’ve only come across a…
Az. Agr. Gilberto Boniperti – another rising star in Alto Piemonte
This is a really small winery, but they’re producing some big results. I have to ask myself, is the quality so good because there’s just 3Ha to farm (i.e. because it’s possible to give greater attention to the vines/land than if there were, say 20Ha), or, what might be possible if there were 6Ha, and…
Le Pianelle – another great gem from the Alto Piemonte
Recently, I had the chance to taste the wines of Le Pianelle. Since that time, I’ve had a chance to further investigate this project – what I’ve learned so far points in a few directions, consistently: it’s a story of quality, fortitude and vision. You can find plenty of good information on Le Pianelle HERE…
La Prevostura – four wines you need to know
I recently attended the first of what I genuinely hope becomes an annual event, TasteAltoPiemonte, 2017, in Novara, in the northern half of Piemonte. The setting was in the Castello di Novara,; once inside the tasting area, there are few vestiges of a ‘castle’, as the room is clean, bright and modern, i.e. the opposite…
G.B. Burlotto – 2013 Barolo wines, and more
I’d contacted Fabio Alessandria, winemaker at G.B. Burlotto, several months in advance of my trip to Langhe – I know how busy he is, not only in the vineyards/cellar, but also marketing the wines in London, New York City, etc. And even though I saw Fabio on 2 April, at the Grandi Langhe 2017 event that morning…
2011 La Prevostura Lessona, classy, young
Still young, just getting started. Another very classy showing. This blend of 95% Nebbiolo and 5% Vespolina presents a lovely, bright garnet>garnet+ hue, it’s clear and fades ever so to the rim. The nose is soil driven for the first 2/3 of the bottle – which is just fine with me. Paired with braised rabbit…
Really impressed with this – 2011 Cascina Chicco Roero Riserva Valmaggiore
It’s not often (enough!) that I’ve got a glass of wine that makes me repeat, like a broken record (dating myself here, oh well) exclamations, like wow!, and fantastic!, or really?, that’s amazing!; this was one of those wines/experiences. (below: inside a part – there are more than half a dozen – of the old…
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