 |
THE OLD WORLD ITALY:
Silvio Giamello 2004 Barbaresco, "Vicenziana"
For those of you not familiar with the wines from Piedmont in northern Italy, Nebbiolo is the grape that produces the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco - a hauntingly complex varietal that can give wines power and finesse with unrivaled aging potential. Where Barolo is the King of Wines in Italy, Barbaresco is considered the Queen. For a wine to be labeled as Barbaresco, it is to be aged for 2 years, one of which must be in wood. Finesse is perhaps the key distinction stylistically between Barolo and Barbaresco, where the Barbaresco isn't as massive, yet exhibits an elegance, grace and finesse not surpassed by many wines. This wine will show you what Nebbiolo is all about. Some compare the grape to Pinot Noir when they search for an equivalent in France – due to it's typically lighter colour, elegance, aging potential, and the delicacy and persnickety nature of the grape in the vineyards. This comparison is useful, although Nebbiolo is decidedly more rustic and less sweet and refined than Pinot Noir. Silvio's 2004 Barbaresco shows handsome tobacco and smoked meat along with beautiful dried flowers. Well balanced now, it is powerful and classically structured. You can pull the cork now to sheer delight or if you have the patience, this wine will serve you well over the next 10 years – but why wait, I say drink up while you wait for your Barolo’s to come around.
$61.75/bt
12bt/cs
Villa di Geggiano 2004 Chianti Classico
Another Italian wine from the Kermit Lynch portfolio – yes Kermit dabbles in Italy, in case you didn’t know. The brothers Bandinelli are the umpteenth generation to preside over the picturesque 20 hectare estate, just outside Siena, of which 8 hectares are dedicated to vineyards. So beautiful is it, that many TV and movie productions have been filmed here (Stealing Beauty to name but one.) Happily, the wines of Geggiano resemble the personalities of the two brothers, Andrea & Alessandro Bandinelli, who run the place. They are easygoing, well mannered, and generous. Unpretentious, likable guys who make likable wine. Adhering to organic farming methods, as of 2007 the estate became certifiably organic and honourable business principles too; the two brothers didn’t like their 2001 vintage, so they didn’t bottle it. Bravissimo to them for their integrity! The 2004 is about 95% Sangiovese, with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. After hand harvesting, and gentle crushing, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks then matured in a combination of small barriques and large casks. Brilliant ruby in colour. Black cherry with velvet like texture dances on the palate showing glimpses of terroir, vanilla and crisp oak. This is “quintessentially Classico” and typifies the regions “fuller, meatier style.”
$41.35/bt
12bt/cs
For more information visit us at barrelselect.com or call us at 416-984-WINE (9463)
 |
 |
|
|
