Italian wines are the ones I have the least experience with -- which makes them an exciting frontier for me. Nebbiolo, in particular, has always been a bit of a mystery. Often quite tannic when young, it's best to seek out Nebbiolo-based wines with at least 10 years of age.
Barolo is considered to be the epitome of Nebbiolo, and last year I had the good fortune to participate in a Barolo tasting that shed some light on what all the fuss is about with these wines.
Just recently, we paired the 2001 A.G.N. Fantino Vigna dei Dardi Riserva with grilled veal chops and it was a revelation. Gorgeous brick color, nose of faded roses, and tart cherry fruit --- this is a wine that begs for good food with its lovely balance of acidity and fruit.
With Barolo, think Sophia Loren .... sure, she was alluring in "Too Bad She's Bad", but she was stunning a few years later in "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow"...
St. Emilion is known for being more approachable when young, yet many have outstanding potential for aging. Case in point is the 1998 La Couspaude... its 70% Merlot + 30% Cab Franc blend provides a solid framework that could keep it going for another 10 years.
Black currant & kirsch with fine tannins, and a very tasty eucalyptus note ... gotta love what the Cab Franc brings to this dance....
This is a wine that is indeed hard to stay away from... the 2005 vintage is showing especially well right now and very successfully demonstrates why the Russian River Valley produces some of the best pinot noir in the world.
Tannins are beautifully integrated with rich cherry fruit, a hint of sweetness balanced with savory forest floor ... all supported by lithe minerality... this wine always disappears quickly from the glass.
The Lolita Ranch is a consistent favorite of the Martinelli pinot noirs...
... a very rare treat indeed is the Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus de Sanchomartin. A wonderful expression of Tempranillo ... smooth, lush blackberry fruit with very appealing notes of cedar and smoke.
Sourced from an "old-vines" vineyard originally planted in 1944, with limestone and clay soils.
Moro also makes an entry-level Ribera that is worth seeking out.
Languedoc-Roussillon is a source for outstanding new wines. One of our favorites is Las Flors de La Peira from the Terrasses du Larzac appellation.
Las Flors is best enjoyed after a few years in the bottle. The 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages are drinking well, however they are getting harder to find in the market. The wine is a blend consisting typically of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.
The 2006 seems to have a bit of an edge over the other vintages. Upon opening, aromas of lavender and sandalwood provide an intoxicating allure. It exhibits a wonderfully balanced palate with an acidity that expresses the influence of limestone marl substrate in the region. The velvet black raspberry fruit has layers of complexity that are continuing to resolve, suggesting that this wine has solid potential for aging for another 10 years or so.
The 2005 vintage is softer with more lush fruit and a bit less acidity, while the 2007 is made is a more "modern" style (more oak).
Las Flors de La Peira has everything one could want from a Rhone-style wine.
