The Best of Barolo

Barolo, one of Italy's most prized wines, is produced in the Region of Piemonte (which means at the foot of the mountain). Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape, is ruby-garnet in color with aromas of red currant and licorice. A finely made Barolo can easily age 20 years. The heart of Barolo production lies in the communes of La Morra, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto.

The best rated Barolos from Wine Spectator (WS) and Gambero Rosso (GR) include:

2004 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto - 96 points (GR)

2004 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito -95 points (GR)

2005 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate- 99 points (WS)

2005 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito - 98 points (WS)

Winemaking at its best in La Morra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxKMRE6CMRw

Mark your 2010 calendar: The Barolo Wine Festival takes place each year in September!

Ciao e a presto,

Tartufo Bianco

The 79th Annual International White Truffle Festival (Fiera del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba) is taking place in Alba, a town in the Region of Piedmont until November 8, 2009.

The white truffle, called "trifola" by the Piedmontese, is named after  the ancient village, Alba Pompeia. White truffles, a true delicacy, are found far under the soil near the roots of hazel, beech, and oak trees, and worth their weight in gold. Click on the title bar and find out how much a white truffle went for in last year's international auction!

If truffles don't fascinate you, wines from nearby Barolo and Barbaresco will.  One of my favorite estates to visit is Famiglia Anselma whose young winemaker, Maurizio, is committed to producing quality Barolo on the family's 80 hectares estate.

Leave ample time to tour both the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist that houses the Madonna of the Graces (1377) by Barnaba da Modena, and Madonna with Saints (1508) by Macrino d'Alba and the Gothic Church of San Domenico (13th-14th century) considered the most artistically important Church in the town.

Ciao e a presto,