The Fog Never Hides the Always Bright Nebbiolo

May 13, 2013

The Nebbiolo grape dates back to the 1^st Century AD.  It grows beautifully in the mountains of Piedmont where there’s a fog that illuminates the sky. The word Nebbia in Italian means Fog.  Some say the word Nobile, meaning noble is the origin.   Instead of boring you with my fascination of history, allow me to provide you with what to expect when you add time, proper conditions and top producers to your collection.   Overall, no matter how you look at the word, the grape is one of beauty.

Wine Club Miami decided two months before they wanted to try “Old World”.  As I looked at the options, I kept drawing myself back to Piedmont.

We selected the Gaja Barbaresco 1995 and the Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo San Giovanni 2007.  In 1995 “they” stated Piedmont produced “Very good quality, but some hail damage; stick to top producers” giving an average score of 88 points.  As 2007 was exemplified with 95 points, “A warm, dry year; wines offer flesh and immediate appeal”.

On delivery, I had the bottles tack a nap in my cooler from the Collector we acquired them from.  I opened them two hours before our tasting.  I did not want to decant them because I felt the process was too rough an action on the delicate wines.

As the club all stated they were at the perfect temperature, I replied, “I’m not the President for nothing.”

The first tasting was the Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo.  The color was typical to the young Barolo, ruby, light in color with no sediment.  The nose was of a ripe cherry, strong alcohol and tobacco.  The taste was complex but lacked depth.  We discovered hints of chocolate, pepper, some strong tannins with a medium to long finish.  We gave this young eagle a 7.9 out of 10.  It can sit for another 10-20 years, but was a great bottle.

Following was the Gaja Barbaresco.   The age was apparent in the crimson color.  The nose had a chocolate, soft fruit, earthy with supple blackberries.  On the palate it was silky and smooth.   It would form a soft film over the teeth.   This bottle was a beautiful wine with finesse.  We rated it an 8.3.  It can hold for another 5-10 years easily.

We wish to welcome aboard the team, Mr. David Yarus.  He is the Chief Operating Officers at International Wine Storage.  He inspects and samples our bottles with a keen knowledge and shows to be a powerful impact to the club.  Did we remind you he is consistent with attendance??

Sincerely,

W.C.