Italian

Recent Tastings

New Release: Barolo and Barbaresco

Barry Weinman: 11th March 2020

Unlike Cabernet or Shiraz, Nebbiolo is not a household name here in Australia. Yet some of the world’s great wines are made from this grape from the Piedmont region in Italy. The two key districts are Barbaresco and Barolo.

Barolo, whilst not a household name in Australia, is a wine of great repute. The neighboring village of Barbaresco, being only 1/3 of the size of Barolo, does not have quite the same recognition, but the wines can be just as impressive.

Tuscan Wine Exploration

24th April 2016

When I think of the wines of Tuscany, two wines typically come to mind. Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. But as this tasting amply demonstrated, that is selling this remarkable region short. The super Tuscan wines and those from Bolgari in particular are some of the real stars of the region.

Brunello di Montalcino – 2010 Vintage

20th July 2015

Situated in Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino is a rising star in the world of wine. The wines were virtually unheard of 40 years ago until pioneer Biondi-Santi forged a reputation for fine wines and, in the process, dragged the whole region into focus. Traditional, rustic wines for local consumption gradually gave way to increasing quantities of ever improving reds made from Sangiovese. In recent years, the number of producers has expanded rapidly, with over 200 now available.

Piedmont – December 2014

Reviewed: 14th December 2014

I recently attended a tasting hosted by Maurizio Ugge from Arquilla, an importer of a large variety of Italian wines. The focus was specifically on the wines of Piedmont and included wines from several highly regarded producers.

Italian (varietals) Cellar Tasting

Reviewed 25th August 2013.

Given the reputation of some of the wines tasted, it will come as no surprise to hear that this was a fantastic event.  The big surprise though, was the quality of the Giaconda nebbiolo.  Spectacular stuff.

Piedmont Reds

Reviewed: 15 September 2011

This is the second Piedmont tasting that I have written up in the last few weeks. This time the venue was Lamont’s in Cottesloe. A point of difference with this tasting was that I was not part of the tasting. Instead, I was helping out my friend John Jens by facilitating the tasting and pouring the wine.

A Taste of Piedmont

Reviewed: 1 August 2011

My good friend and co-contributor to Fine Wine Club, Brendan Jansen, hosted this tasting as he has returned from his sabbatical in Italy with “A Boot-Full of Wine” for us to try. Unfortunately, his wine did not arrive in time. This turned out to be a bonus for us as most of the wines are currently available. (Try La Vigna, Bocaccio, Lamonts or East End Cellars).