...the '11 F. Alessandria Monvigliero was the favorite early in the dinner... this is a gorgeous and supremely approachable, Burgundian style version of Monvigliero. Paired well with grilled octopus.
.... '04 La Rioja Alta 904 Rioja Gran Reserva exhibited tannic influence early ... and seemed a bit bombastic next to the elegant '11 Monvigliero. As the evening progressed, the Rioja Alta calmed down and the fruit opened up , manifesting a wonderfully food friendly tension with the structure of the wine. Red and blue fruits with hints of smoke and cedar as the Rioja continued to open up and paired beautifully with veal stuffed tortellini and sauteed spinach drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Ultimately, the Rioja pulled ahead in popularity, principally due its gravitas in pairing with the entree. ..and displaying more depth and complexity (advantage in the older vintage column).
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