FRESH Mario Rivetti 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo (Italy)

 

This past year I have recommended some eye-opening wines. Wines I tasted because I happened to be at the right place at the right time. This is one of those wines. I was at a wine fair in Bologna with an Italian friend, Fabrizio Timpanaro, a director of a restaurant, QuartoPiano. He pulled me aside and said that I must try a wine. Not only did I try the wine, I went and visited the winery a month later ... Today, it's the Mario Rivetti 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo

 

Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo (Italian Wine)

This is not a single vineyard Barolo, nor a special selection Barolo, but it is a damn good Barolo

 

Gianni Gagliardo 2017 Barolo

 

 

--- THE WRITTEN REVIEW ---

 
A 30,000 bottle production where all crus contribute to the blend; it's a majority of La Morra, admits Stefano, and it is a wine released “ready to drink, but will age as well.” Lovely red and black fruit notes with strawberry, cherry, floral and menthol aromas ... Palate is all about freshness; but also with dark and red fruit, subtle pepper and other spices - shows more elegance than power and it's incredibly drinkable the moment the cork is popped. The finish has a lovely linger with balsamic and herbs.  (****+)

 

Gaja 2018 Barbaresco (Italian Wine)

What happens when there's a "difficult season" in Barbaresco, this : 

Gaja 2018 Barbaresco

 

 

The Written Review

Gaja 2018 Barbaresco

Barbaresco may be the most misunderstood wine of the Piedmont region, especially when compared to the more popular and more known Barolo. It is still made with the Nebbiolo grape, grown at a maximum of 8 tons per hectare, it spends less time in wood and is therefore released 1 year before Barolo. As for the 2018 vintage in the area, it was one of challenges: "crazy vintage" was the phrase used to describe it - rain in the beginning, then hail damage … so many problems that the 2018 single vineyard offerings were "lost" and went into this straight Barbaresco; but the single vineyard loss makes for a more upscale base-model Barbaresco: lovely and fruit forward with both red and black fruit taking a turn on the palate - vibrant acidity with notes of both earthy and floral adding complexity offset by gentle tannins - light, fruit forward, incredibly aromatic and well balanced. It's a beauty for a “crazy vintage”.  (****+)

Gagliardo 2016 Barolo "La Morra" (The Wine Review - #328)

Gagliardo's "La Morra" Barolo is a real gem in the crown of this wineries portfolio

 

Gagliardo 2016 Barolo "La Morra"

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

The Written Review ...

 

Gianni Gagliardo 2016 Barolo - La Morra

This is their “village” Barolo that encompasses two parcels in the final blend. This very aromatic offering shows notes of cherry, blackberry and floral ... On the palate it's soft and gentle with a medium length finish. Key notes here are cherry blossoms, blackberry, spiced plum, and gentle tannins - such a pretty and elegant wine that, like so many of these wines, is so very drinkable right now.  (****+)

 

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Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata (The Wine Review - #322)

Time to look at a single vineyard, or "cru" Barolo

 

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

 

 

 

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo, Rocche dell'Annunziata

 

This single vineyard, or “cru”, Barolo is aged extra time in barrel, cask and bottle - a total of 42 months before release and most of the wood is of the older French variety (between 12 and 18 years) large casks with no toast ... When all is said and done only 20% is new, meaning the wood does not play a significant role in flavouring. The Rocche is just a baby at the moment with aromas of rose petal, mocha, black cherry, black cranberry and all those smells translate to the palate, but with a power and weight on the tongue – plus there’s great structure and a hint of smoke. Ready in another couple of years, but will age well for a decade or more (many more) but it’s all going to depend if you want to keep that fruit profile intact.  (****)

 

Aurelio Settimo 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo (The Wine Review - #313)

Having just visited this winery I can tell you that this wine has a special place in their portfolio, here's why: 

Aurelio Settimo 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores)

Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo (The Wine Review - #303)

Is Barolo supposed to be so approachable right out of the gate? 

 

Looking at the Aurelio Settimo 2015 Barolo - 

 

available at the winery (and other fine wine stores).

 

Massolino 2016 Barolo, Serralunga D'Alba (The Wine Review - #286)

A great vintage, a great wine - it's Piedmont in 2016 and it's a delight : 

 

Massolino 2016 Barolo, Serralunga D'Alba