#tbt

Class #5

I was very disappointed about today's class. Instead of spending a decent amount of time on the Piemonte region, we spent 1 hour on Alsace and 10 minutes on Piemonte. And the wines chosen from Piemonte were, in my opinion, horrible, and not at all representative of the region. The only good one was the Vietti Roero Arneis, one of my favorites.

Here is the list of wines we tasted:
White
Vietti Roero Arneis, Langhe 2012
Trimbach Riesling, Alsace 2011
Zind Humbrecht Gewurztaminer, Alsace 2011
La Gordonne Billette, Boquet de Provence 2012

Red
La Mota Barbera d'Asti 2011
Montubert Barbaresco, Piemonte 2006
Erbaluna Barolo, Piemonte 2007
Domaine des Hauts Chassis Crozes-Hermitaage "Les Galets" 2011
Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateaneuf-du-Pape 2011
Domaine de Verquiere Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet 2010

#tbt

#tbt to Mangialonga 2013! It was the most fun wine event I have ever been to. You can get more information about it here: Mangialonga 2014

#tbt

Wishing I was back in Piemonte, hanging out with all these wonderful producers, and drinking amazing wine. Can't wait to go back this summer!

 Me and Elio Altare

 Alessandro Veglio

 Siliva Altare

1993 Vigna Larigi, Elio Altare

Mauro Veglio and Daniela Safirio

#tbt

This summer I was lucky enough to work at Vietti Winery, in Piemonte, Italy. I would spend my mornings in the vineyard, doing green harvest. Green harvest is when you reduce the amount of clusters per vine, to help maximize the quality if the cluster and the grapes. When I was not working the in vineyard, I helped out during wine visits and tastings. It was such an amazing experience. Luca and Elena "Vietti" are the most wonderful people, with an energy that is out of this world. And their passion for their wine is contagious.

Bauer Wine and Spirits

I decided to stop by Bauer Wine and Spirits on Newbury street today, and see what kind of selection they carry. I don't know much about wines from areas outside Piemonte, Italy, but I found two bottles I recognized. Casanova di Neri and Paitin. I discovered Casanova di Neri when I went to a Dalla Terra wine tasting last spring. Bauer is a cozy little store, with wines from all over the world. I'll definitely go back. You can visit their website here: Bauer Wines

ettore germano

Ettore 'Sergio' Germano produces wine in Serralunga D'Alba in Piemonte, Italy. At a tasting this summer, I had the pleasure of tasting both his reds and his whites. My personal favorite was the Herzu riesling, a refreshing white wine that is a recurring one in Cantina Granveien, also know as my home. I don't have much experience with his reds, but from what I can remember, they were quite good. I met Sergio for the first time this summer, and will be sure to return again soon. 

Sergio Germano, current producer of Ettore Germano

veglio wines

Alessandro Veglio resides in Piemonte, Italy, and produces wine. He may be young, but his wines are wonderful. I am no wine expert myself, but this summer I had the pleasure of meeting Signor Veglio, and his passion for his wines are contagious. 

10 things to do in piemonte

1. Stay at Corte Gondina. A cute hotel run by the Viberti family. An idyllic garden, lovely rooms and wonderful staff.
2. Hug the Ceder Tree. I have never done it myself, but it is on my to do list.
3. Visit Elio Altare. In my opinion, it is a must. Elio and his daughter Silvia are wonderful, and their wine is exceptional.
4. Eat lunch or dinner at More e Machine. My favorite restaurant, with great food and great wine.
5. Mangialonga. An annual event that takes place in La Morra in late summer. It is like a marathon, but with food and wine. 
6. Visit Vietti. The Currado's make exquisite wine, and are located in Castiglione. 
7. Go to Alba. On Saturday's they have markets, and the streets are bustling with life. Many good places to eat and lots of cute shops. 
8. Eat and drink champagne at Centro Storico in Serralunga d'Alba. Say hello to Ciccio for me!
9. Truffel "hunting" is also something one should do when in Piemonte, but can only be done during truffle season in the fall.
10. If you are able, you should try to visit Maria Theresa Mascarello. She is a feisty woman who makes incredible wine.