And finally, it’s been a busy time! In September, my 400-page book, The Wines of Piemonte, was published … And here is what I tasted, no drank, with my local tasting group to celebrate the happy day. The tasting reflects the book: Barolo and Barbaresco of course, but so much more! Great grape varieties, a
Diary 52: a celebration tasting Read More »
With the whole world of wine to choose from, which three grape varieties would you group together for a focused red wine tasting where there is noticeable relationship between the varieties? The two Cabs and Merlot would be one obvious choice – but the range of styles around the world might lead to a loss
Pale, red and elegant Read More »
After the excitements of the Lea & Sandeman tasting (see previous post), more of the biggest names in Italian wine were on show at Armit’s ‘Blooming Lovely’ Spring tasting. Certainly, they had the day for it, London being bathed in brilliant northern sunshine with temperatures higher than currently in Tuscany or even Southern Italy –
Sorì Tildìn among the Italian icons Read More »
Stephen Brook has an enviable task – to pick some of his favourite newly-released Barolo and Barbaresco and introduce them to the trade at a recent Decanter event entitled ‘Highlights of Piedmont’. He has to get his selection down to ten wines and so he can only nod at Dolcetto and Barbera as grape varieties
In praise of Nebbiolo Read More »
Giacosa Fratelli is rather different from most of the wineries we visited in our recent week in Piemonte. The winery is much bigger than most of the places we went to, a large, functional building coincidentally right next door to Bruno Giacosa, who, after Gaja, is probably the biggest name in Barbaresco. The business is
Giacosa Fratelli – perfume and austerity Read More »
This winery is appropriately enough near ‘three stars’ (Trestelle), itself a sort of midpoint between the three Barbaresco communes – Treiso, Neive and, of course, Barbaresco itself. But the three stars could also refer to the three daughters of the family or indeed to the excellent quality of the wine in relation to price. The
Ca’ del Baio – rapporto qualità prezzo buonissimo! Read More »
Having finished the posts from Vinitaly, we return to our week in the Langhe, home of the famous wines of Barbaresco and Barolo. The message at Bruno Rocca’s family winery in Barbaresco is clear. However much they are completing an impressive new winery under the current house, the heart of the matter is the land.
Bruno Rocca – above all the land Read More »
This smallish family firm produces six wines, all red, with a total production from six hectares of 40,000 bottles a year. As Danilo explained, there are just three of them in the firm, so the upside is that you get to do a bit of everything. He had worked previously as a sommelier in the
Fiorenzo Nada – small is beautiful Read More »
There is a very assured feel about the entire operation at Albino Rocca in the village of Barbaresco itself. The vineyards have been build up to an impressive 23 hectares and the usual excellent job has been done in hiding the winery under the house. There is also the obligatory beautiful view of the hills
Albino Rocca – where the quality shows Read More »
This estate was created in 1990 when Elvio Cogno decided to set up in his own name, having previously been part of an important partnership. It is now run by Walter Fissore and his wife Nadia (Elvio’s daughter) who showed us around this beautiful farm house (cascina) which serves as winery and home. It has
Elvio Cogno – a family winery in good health Read More »