Even if they've drunk it before, most everyone experiences a serious first encounter with wine – one moment when you know you’ve really latched onto something magical. When I escaped Appalachia after college, the people I associated with, first academics and journalists, then corporate types, mainly drank cocktails, starting at
Imagine waking up in a place surrounded by some of the most famous Italian vineyards - the wineries of Barolo. Picture opening the window and seeing the sun’s rays stretching along the hills, brightening a carpet of grapevines. To a wine lover, this may be the absolute best way to
In this series, we take a look at three of Piedmont’s most fascinating and diverse wine regions by exploring what this historic and traditional corner of the wine world looks like today, and highlighting some of the off-the-beaten-track producers quietly shaping the region’s future. In the third and final part
Those classic tar and rose notes come shining through on this mineral, savory and balsamic Barolo. A serious drop with powerful grainy tannins and searing acidity, exposing the paradoxical nature of nebbiolo through an equally delicate palate of violets, tar and drying red currants amidst all that muscle. One to
Salty minerals, ripe red currants, flowers, and vanilla spice, this is the kind of tannic, old-school style Barolo you’ll want to age as long as possible. Get your hands on a 1996 if you can (try contacting the winery directly), it’s simply stunning. Prices are quite reasonable for the minuscule
This wine makes clear why this corner of Serralunga produces some of the best Nebbiolo in the world. The color of a sunset with a potpourri nose of delicately drying spices, cherries, strawberries and flowers, this balanced, elegant beauty still has many more years of life in her, but is
Terrific bright red fruits backed by anise. Cherries, earth, black tea and a field of violets are all restrained by huge but smooth tannins demanding cellar time or enthusiastic decanting. This is jut a baby, a declassified Barolo that will be approachable in half the time of its big brothers.