The Piedmont region is in the foothills of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland. Here Nebbiolo reigns in its most interesting and complex incarnation as Barolo. The valley and the mountains do contribute to the areas noted fog cover which aides in the ripening of the Nebbiolo grape (which gets its name from the Piedmontese word nebbia meaning “fog”).   Saturday we’ll be pouring a few of the great wines from this region. We’ll have a couple classic Nebbiolos as well as a fresh Cortesse and a tangy Barbera. Stop in.

2011 Araldica, Gavi, la Luciana $15
Made from the Cortese grape, the la Luciana is a fresh, lively dry white with lemon and grapefruit citrus flavor and a lurking minerality. Great with shrimp or other shellfish. 11% alcohol by volume so you can have that third glass.

2009 Araldica, Barbera di Asti, Albera $11
Medium body wine, rich with blackberries and plums and hints of red fruit. Nice complexity due to the aging in large wood barrels giving it a spicy and harmonious finish. Pairs well with Osso Bucco, pizza; risotto.

2011 Fontanafreda, Già, Langhe Rosso $18 1 ltr.
Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo
A side project of Fontanafreda, the Gia is an early release red blending Piedmontes three big red grapes. But although it is an early release wine it is by no means simple. There is lots of dark fruit and smoky tobacco notes. What you would expect from Fontanafreda. Big Wine in a Big Bottle. 11% alcohol by volume.

2010 Damilano, Nebbiolo di Alba, Marghe $15
Damilano is a family run Barolo estate that dates back to 1890. The Marghe comes from older vines of the Langhe region. It is a great introduction to Nebbiolo the undisputed king of the Piedmont grapes. The wine has aromas of blueberry, cherry and strawberry with hints of spice, such as cinnamon, vanilla and pepper. Perfect for first courses with meat sauces, grilled and stewed red meats.

2008 Damilano, Barolo, Lecinquevigne   $35
The Lecinquevigne as the name suggests consists of Nebbiolo from five Barolo vineyards. The Nebbiolo vines range in age from 30 to 50 years old. 2008 was an excellent vintage that makes the Lecinquevigne an outstanding value. The wine has an intense fragrance of rose, leather, tobacco, and subtle hints of violet and tar with flavors of dark cherry with a long smooth finish. Matches well with roasted meats, grilled sausages and peppers, and venison.