Almost live from Barbaresco

It's been too long since I've updated you on our sipping progress in Piemonte. The past few days have been a whirlwind of visits and tastings, all the while using the agriturismo of the fantastic Giovanna Rizzolio and Italo Sobriano (whose winery Cascina delle Rose makes lovely Barbarescos in small quantities). These people have a heart-wrenching story behind them -- I won't go into it here -- but let's just say that, for once, the underdogs persevered despite powerful and exceedingly arrogant adversaries in the wine world. 

Giovanna Rizzolio of Cascina delle Rose at Vinitaly last year. "Cascina" means farmhouse. "delle Rose" = of the roses. You could translate the name as "Rose Farm" in English. I can affirm that there are lots of rose bushes here.  

Domenico Selections is in the process of signing up a producer from this area, one whose tiny production has to be allocated to Hong Kong, Italy, Sweden and (soon!) the United States. This young man of 32, whose enologo is a very famous one in Piemonte, has been working in the vineyards and making wine most of his life. 

He makes four wines: a Dolcetto that beats the pants off any Dolcetto I've tasted in a long time; a Barbera and a Barbera Riserva that, to me, redefine the potential of Barbera (I say that because it's never been a particular favorite of mine); and a stunningly good Barbaresco that is thrilling even in its youngest barrel samples. All combine superior quality with prices that are highly affordable. When the contract's been signed, I shall tell all. This guy has quite a story to tell. 

We're off to Tuscany tomorrow. We have a ton of appointments all over the southern half of the region -- Bolgheri, Maremma, Chianti, Montecucco. 

We'll tune in again from Tuscany or, failing that, Rome late next week.    

  

Comments

[Roberto Giuliani]

WOW! Giovanna Rizzolio!!!

[Strappo]

mitica. come persona e winemaker.