Wines & Wine Considerations
Roero and Barbaresco 2004:
This spring I was invited to Alba Wines, the annual vintage presentation of Southern Piemonte's great Nebbiolo-based red wines, Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero. Barolo was frankly difficult -- the 2003 vintage was not good -- but 2004 is a different story, and there are some very fine interpretations of Roero and Barbaresco coming out. Here is what impressed me the most, the Roero first and then the Barbaresco.
This spring I was invited to Alba Wines, the annual vintage presentation of Southern Piemonte's great Nebbiolo-based red wines, Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero. Barolo was frankly difficult -- the 2003 vintage was not good -- but 2004 is a different story, and there are some very fine interpretations of Roero and Barbaresco coming out. Here is what impressed me the most, the Roero first and then the Barbaresco.
Favorite 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Nobile di Montpulciano, one of Tuscany's great Reds, is coming off two very difficult vintages -- 2002 and 2003 -- so I was quite curious to see what the 2004 (presented this spring) would be like. The vintage, like the 2004 Chianti Classico vintage, was much better balanced, and it was nice to find some exciting wines.
Nobile di Montpulciano, one of Tuscany's great Reds, is coming off two very difficult vintages -- 2002 and 2003 -- so I was quite curious to see what the 2004 (presented this spring) would be like. The vintage, like the 2004 Chianti Classico vintage, was much better balanced, and it was nice to find some exciting wines.
Favorite Brunello from the 2007 Benvenuto Brunello Vintage Presentation
At this year's Benvenuto Brunello, helf February 2007, we sampled two vintages of Brunello: The 2001 Riserva, many of which I greatly enjoyed, and the 2002 Brunello Normale, which was an extremely difficult vintage that offered little to smile about. As you might expect, the wines that impressed me most were 2001s; these are wines for special occasions -- in the future. Though they are drinkable now, they will really begin to shine in 8-10 years, adding a special magic to the setting.
At this year's Benvenuto Brunello, helf February 2007, we sampled two vintages of Brunello: The 2001 Riserva, many of which I greatly enjoyed, and the 2002 Brunello Normale, which was an extremely difficult vintage that offered little to smile about. As you might expect, the wines that impressed me most were 2001s; these are wines for special occasions -- in the future. Though they are drinkable now, they will really begin to shine in 8-10 years, adding a special magic to the setting.
Favorite Chianti Classico Wines From The 2007 Vintage Presentation
The winemakers of Chianti Classico recently presented their new wines, the 2004 and 2005 vintages. These are the wines that impressed me the most.
The winemakers of Chianti Classico recently presented their new wines, the 2004 and 2005 vintages. These are the wines that impressed me the most.
Favorite Barberas for 2006
This year's Barbera Meeting, organized and held in Asti this summer, primarily featured wines from the 2005 and 2003 vintages, both of which are quite good. The 2003 in particular, because Barbera vines do well in hot vintages, and 2003 was the hottest in decades. Here are the wines that impressed me the most.
This year's Barbera Meeting, organized and held in Asti this summer, primarily featured wines from the 2005 and 2003 vintages, both of which are quite good. The 2003 in particular, because Barbera vines do well in hot vintages, and 2003 was the hottest in decades. Here are the wines that impressed me the most.
Lambrusco:
Lambrusco is the perfect wine for a picnic, cookout, or light meal.
Lambrusco is the perfect wine for a picnic, cookout, or light meal.
The Italian Wine Review
In addition to foods, I write about wines. This is the website of my wine review, which also appears on paper. Lots of information on the nectar of the Gods.
In addition to foods, I write about wines. This is the website of my wine review, which also appears on paper. Lots of information on the nectar of the Gods.
Sassicaia
Thoughts on one of the finest reds in the world.
Thoughts on one of the finest reds in the world.
Tasting in Piemonte
At the return from a wine-tasting trip: What it's like and a few words on vintages.
At the return from a wine-tasting trip: What it's like and a few words on vintages.
La Storia del Chianti
Lapo Mazzei, former president of the Chianti Classico Consorzio, recently reminisced about his experiences, and presented some milestone wines, including a 1958 Badia a Coltibuono, a 1971 Monsanto, and a 1985 Vecchie Terre di Montefili.
Lapo Mazzei, former president of the Chianti Classico Consorzio, recently reminisced about his experiences, and presented some milestone wines, including a 1958 Badia a Coltibuono, a 1971 Monsanto, and a 1985 Vecchie Terre di Montefili.
A Barbaresco Dinner
29 different Barbareschi from 1994 -- some very fine wines. Also, a recipe for Brasato al Barolo
29 different Barbareschi from 1994 -- some very fine wines. Also, a recipe for Brasato al Barolo
Sangiovese: Signore della Toscana
A few words on the Lord of Tuscany, styles of Sangiovese, and notes on eight very different Sangiovesi.
A few words on the Lord of Tuscany, styles of Sangiovese, and notes on eight very different Sangiovesi.
Tuscan Merlot
Merlot is rapidly gaining in popularity in Tuscany, and while I don't approve of its inclusion in traditional wines, it can be spectacular. Notes on 6 Merlot-based wines, including Fonterutoli's Le Siepi and Frescobaldi's Lamaione. Also, a recipe for Schiacciata Con L'Uva, a sinfully tasty pastry made with wine grapes.
Merlot is rapidly gaining in popularity in Tuscany, and while I don't approve of its inclusion in traditional wines, it can be spectacular. Notes on 6 Merlot-based wines, including Fonterutoli's Le Siepi and Frescobaldi's Lamaione. Also, a recipe for Schiacciata Con L'Uva, a sinfully tasty pastry made with wine grapes.
Chinese food & European Wines
They're generally considered an unhappy combination, especially if the wines are red. Here are notes from a banquet where they worked.
They're generally considered an unhappy combination, especially if the wines are red. Here are notes from a banquet where they worked.
The Happy Marriage of Food & Wine
Interesting, and well written. Worth reading!
Interesting, and well written. Worth reading!
Learn About Wine
Robin Garr, who runs the Compuserve Wine Forum, has written up a quick course on wines, with instructions on tasting technique and overviews of the world's wine producing regions
Robin Garr, who runs the Compuserve Wine Forum, has written up a quick course on wines, with instructions on tasting technique and overviews of the world's wine producing regions
Michèle Shah
Michèle Shah has been living in Italy for many years, and is extremely observant. Small wonder Decanter and many other publications contact her frequently. We're lucky she has archived many of her articles (and much more) on the Web.
Michèle Shah has been living in Italy for many years, and is extremely observant. Small wonder Decanter and many other publications contact her frequently. We're lucky she has archived many of her articles (and much more) on the Web.
More Wine Considerations
From your Mining Co. Guide.
From your Mining Co. Guide.
Red Wine & Beans?
Robin Garr's suggestions on pairing veggies with wine.
Robin Garr's suggestions on pairing veggies with wine.
Robin Garr's Wine Tasting Vocabulary
Like any other field, the wine world has its jargon. An excellent dictionary that will help you understand what a reviewer or wine-geek friend is talking about.
Like any other field, the wine world has its jargon. An excellent dictionary that will help you understand what a reviewer or wine-geek friend is talking about.
Slowfood
An organization dedicated to the joys of the table, founded by a group of Italian journalists as a reaction against burger joints. This is their winesite. Interesting, with beautiful graphics, covers wines from all over the world.
An organization dedicated to the joys of the table, founded by a group of Italian journalists as a reaction against burger joints. This is their winesite. Interesting, with beautiful graphics, covers wines from all over the world.
Tipicità
From your Mining Co. Guide: For continued long-term success Italian wineries must make wines that reflect their heritage -- not imitate France or the New World.
From your Mining Co. Guide: For continued long-term success Italian wineries must make wines that reflect their heritage -- not imitate France or the New World.
Vinitaly
The official site of Italy's most important wine trade show -- one of the finest collections of information on Italian wineries anywhere.
The official site of Italy's most important wine trade show -- one of the finest collections of information on Italian wineries anywhere.
Wet Dogs & Gushing Oranges
Sean Shesgreen takes a thoughtful look at the language of wine writers. I don't agree with all he says, but it is interesting, and his take on the terminology says something about how people relate to smells and tastes.
Sean Shesgreen takes a thoughtful look at the language of wine writers. I don't agree with all he says, but it is interesting, and his take on the terminology says something about how people relate to smells and tastes.
Wine
Fun quotations from all walks of literature, presented by the Irish Wine Site.
Fun quotations from all walks of literature, presented by the Irish Wine Site.
Wine Report
Franco Ziliani's online newspaer dedicated to Italian wines. The text is tiny but it's worth reading from top to bottom; the man says what's on his mind with no bowing or scraping to anyone. In Italian, alas.
Franco Ziliani's online newspaer dedicated to Italian wines. The text is tiny but it's worth reading from top to bottom; the man says what's on his mind with no bowing or scraping to anyone. In Italian, alas.
Wine Pronunciation
A handy guide to pronouncing the words on the label, which can look somewhat mysterious (Trockenbeerenauslese, for example -- the top quality German white).
A handy guide to pronouncing the words on the label, which can look somewhat mysterious (Trockenbeerenauslese, for example -- the top quality German white).