Italian Wine Tasting at San Francisco Wine Trading Company Featuring Piedmont Wines
January 14, 2-5:30pm $10
Piedmont is home to some of Italy’s most qualitatively important wines and Nebbiolo is at the top of the list in terms of quality, complexity and ageability. But there is much more to this northwest region than Barbaresco and Barolo, the two principal regions for Nebbiolo. The small villages of Alba and Asti also produce noteworthy reds from Barbera and Dolectto, two exceptional grape varietals that are designed for instant gratification and pair well with a wide range of cuisines. Piedmont is also home to a handful of remarkable white wines that reflect their alpine roots, displaying crisp acidity, perfumed minerality and a laser-like precision not unlike the white wines of the Loire Valley.
The Wines
2010 Massolino, Moscato d’Asti Sparkling $19.95
Like walking into an alpine field of wildflowers in bloom, the 2010 Massolino Moscato d’Asti is alive with vibrant aromas of white peaches, crystallized ginger and tangerine blossoms. The bright acidity keeps the honeyed fruit in check while refreshing the palate with slight effervescence and subtle mineral notes. Moscato d’Asti is a favorite wine for sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike who have appreciated Moscato for its dynamic application either as an aperitif, an intermezzo or as a lighter and refreshing dessert wine.
2010 La Ghibellina, Gavi, Mainìn $19.95
La Ghibellina is located in the Gavi appellation of southern Piedmont, near the border with Liguria and less than an hour’s drive to Genoa on the coast. Both Cortese and Gavi can be found here and both wines were elevated to the prestigious status of DOCG in 1999. The Mainìn is made from 100% estate-grown Cortese, fermented and aged in stainless steel. The wine has a laser-like precision and wonderful minerality that is almost Chablis-like in nature, along with elegant notes of jasmine flower, white tea and green apple.
2010 Renzo Castella, Dolcetto di Diano d’ Alba, Rivolia $14.95
Just south of Alba, the small commune of Diano d’Alba is locally recognized as the prime locale for the production of Dolcetto. Its gently rolling hills are covered almost exclusively with this varietal, which produces the region’s favorite everyday wine. A delightful medium-bodied red with tons of bright cherry fruit, tar, black olives and pepper. An excellent choice with cured olives, charcuterie and tomato-based pasta dishes.
2009 Mascarello, Barbera d’ Alba, San Lorenzo $46.95
According to the Wine Advocate: “Bartolo Mascarello was a true icon in Piedmont.” We’ve been huge advocates of these wines for years and are happy to see that the press have finally taken note as well. After the death of the legend, Bartolo’s daughter took control of the estate and thankfully hasn’t changed a thing. The recently arrived 2009 San Lorenzo is a broad and masculine effort with chewy cherry and raspberry fruit, graphite, spice-dusted tannins and mouth-watering levels of acidity.
2008 Brovia, Nebbiolo d’ Alba, Valmaggione $36.95
Nebbiolo d’Alba is one of Piedmont’s best-kept secrets. While there are many self-described fans of Barolo and Barbaresco, there are far fewer people who are willing to pay the triple digit prices that are often associated with these two venerable wines. That’s where Nebbiolo d’Alba comes in. It is an affordable and highly rewarding alternative to Barolo and Barbaresco that could easily double for a softer version of its two bigger brothers.
2007 Clerico, Barolo, Ciabot Mentin (Ginestra) $119.00
“The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted at this address. Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality. The 2007 shows tons of Ginestra nuance, but with extra dimensions to the fruit that literally covers every nook and cranny of the palate. Astute readers will note the slight name change here, which is the result of new regulations that require the use of the historic vineyard name, in this case Ginestra, or a proprietary name. Call me nostalgic, but it is sad to see one of the iconic labels in Barolo disappear. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.” (98 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)
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