Nebbiolo is the oldest and most noble native varietal in Piedmont which takes its name from the Italian word for fog, “nebbia”, which is very common in the hills of Alba, especially in early to mid-October when this late-ripening variety is harvested. It is also the grape that transforms itself into Barolo and Barbaresco. Join us this Saturday as we focus on the wines of Piedmonte where the wines range from great tasting everyday quaffers to elegant and complex world class sippers. We’ll be sipping Cortese, Dolcetto, Barbera and of course Nebbiolo.
2014 Castelvero, Cortese $10
The Castelvero estate is located near Monferrato. As the vines are not located in Gavi, the wine just goes by the name of the grape. It is an attractively herbaceous and clean white with aromas of grapefruit and minerals, with a light-body, and fresh, crisp citrus fruit.
2011 Poderi Elia Dolcetto d’Alba $12
Poderi Elia is family run estate established in 1890 in Neive. The estate covers about 9 hectares. The Dolcetto d’Alba comes from 30-year-old vineyards. The wine has notes of rhubarb, a pleasant toastiness, and bright red fruits with a nice touch of sweet cigar smokiness. Very smooth, with “cashmere” tannins, this Dolcetto is a perfect example of classic Piemonte style for an everyday wine.
2013 Vietti Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne $17
Patriarch Mario Vietti made the first Vietti wines in 1919, transforming the family farm, into a grape-growing and wine-producing business. The grapes for the d’Asti Tre Vigne come from vines in the in La Crena and other adjacent vineyards. The wine has ripe red cherry aromas with hints of mineral and vanilla. A dry, medium bodied red wine with refreshing acidity and soft tannins, this Barbera is well balanced with good integration of oak, good complexity and a finish of more red cherries.
2012 Damilano, Nebbiolo Langhe, Marghe $20
The Damilano family business dates back to 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno began to vinify his own estate wines. Giacomo Damilano, the founder’s son-in-law, took over and over time, the winery’s production was transformed into a jewel that was passed down with pride in 1997 to Giacomo’s grandchildren, who run the winery today. “Baby Barolo,” this structured Nebbiolo delivers classic sensations of dark cherry, clove, cinnamon and a hint of orange peel. Vibrant, with fresh acidity balanced by silky-smooth tannins, it’s ready to be enjoyed now.
2010 Damilano, Barolo, Lecinquevigne $35
This Barolo is crafted from Nebbiolo cultivated in five distinct towns in the Barolo DOCG, the vineyards are located in Castellero, located northeast of the village of Barolo with western exposure; Monvigliero, located in Verduno with southern exposure; Fossati, located in La Morra with east-southeast exposure; Ravera, located in Novello with southwestern exposure; and Cavourrina, located in Grinzane Cavour with west-southwest exposure. The Lecinquevigne has an intense bouquet with tertiary notes of rose, leather, tobacco and subtle hints of violet. The palate delivers ripe Morello cherry and red raspberry accented with baking spices alongside firm tannins.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.