A Beauty from Piedmont ...

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"...