Amore – I’m in Love with Italian Wines

Last week we had a Chianti from Tuscany, a Susumaniello from Puglia, and a Montepulciano from Abruzzo. Tonight, we have a Barolo from the Piemonte region. The area is known mostly for the home of two red grape varieties, Nebbiolo and Barbera. Nebbiolo is used to produce Barolo and Barbaresco, and Barbera is the typical table wine for the area. Barbera has become known over the last 30 years for its quality.

Piemonte is also known for Dolcetto, Gattinara, Gavi, and Moscato. Dolcetto is an early ripening dark-red wine grape. It produces a soft, round, and fruit-forward red wine that is drank young. Gavi comes from the Cortese grape. Gavi often has some carbonation but can also be made into a more substantial wine. (Metodo Classico – minimum of 18 months of Lees contact). Two common terms are Spumante and Frizzante. They indicate a sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine, respectively.

Many people think of Barolo as being the best wine in the world. It is a high-tannin and high-acid wine that ages well.

Tonight, we are enjoying:

1. 2019 Kirkland Signature Barolo. This wine was purchased at Costco for $20. RWS – aromas of leather, black cherry, cedar, licorice, black pepper and spice. Another reviewer said earthy flavors with cherry and blackberry, and noticeable acid.  The wine has 13.5% alcohol. This wine had bright acidity regardless of its six-year age. Both Denise and I scored the wine a three. I believe the wine should be stored a little longer before consuming.

 Next week we will learn about and taste a South African Chenin Blanc and a Rhone Valley White Blend.