This was originally published on www.thewinegang.com…
The vinous joy of Piemonte isn’t lost on our members, and indeed I confess it is right up there as one of my favourite wine regions. If nothing else for the versatility it delivers. Which wine region in the world can you find all this originality and versatility? Tangy whites like Timarossa and Arneis, the best Christmas present opening fizz around with Moscato d’Asti, sweet lightly fizzy red in Brachetto d’Acqui not to mention the plethora of other red wines, from the best known Barolos to the lesser known Freisa and in between the immensely drinkable Dolcetto.
Anthony and I joined David Gleave MW, managing director of Liberty Wines for a three day tour of the region,. David takes a timely annual trip (at the very least) to Piemonte in November, to talk shop, taste wine and eat truffle with his agencies.
Flying into Milan and out of Turin, we visited the following producers: Proprieta Sperino, Vigne Marina Coppi, Bruno Rocca, Poderi Aldo Conterno, Massolino and GD Vajra and Luigi Baudana (the latter now belongs to the Vajra family).
Highlights from the trip were numerous but from a food perspective the local speciality of tajarin (the local name for taglierini) simply prepared with butter, white truffle and parmesan was absolute heaven.
From a wine perspective there were many highlights, and while Ant especially enjoyed (I think I can say on his behalf!) the incredible vertical tasting of Granbussia at Aldo Conterno, I think mine came at lunch with the fabulous Luisa Rocca. Bruno Rocca’s daughter, who showed us a sneak preview of the brand new wine that will be released next year, the Barbaresco Riserva Curra 2012.
It was young of course, but it was sensationally textured, bright in fruit and hauntingly delicate too, to say it will be a cracker when released is a complete understatement. This is what Nebbiolo is all about, and although Piemonte should and will continue to be known for these fabulous Barbaresco and Barolo wines, let’s not forget just how different Piemontese wines can be, as we saw in just under three days.
Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking, as ever with Italian regions there is (brilliantly!) so much more to discover…
