QOTD: Barbera

Have tried one Dolcetto that I can recall – a 2004 Sandrone.

I cracked up at the absurdity of the “farm in Oklahoma City” line… you were on fire!

Hi, for me best italian wines are made in Langhe (Piemonte) whit nebbiolo grapes, usually more expensive wines but fantastics and superior quality.
No way Langhe zone is superior to Chianti…but not ever, not every years.

Riccardi italian Sommelier

Favourite Italian wine – Sangiovese. However from Coriole (McLaren Vale). Mark Lloyd has been working with this variety for 30 years and i think the 2008 is worth checking out.

Best red – Barbaresco DOCG 1997, Gaja
Best white – Recioto di Soave La Perlara, Azienda Agricola Ca’ Rugate

I’m a big big fan of Sagrantino that I think could easily compete with any of the Brunellos or Barolos. If anyone sees it back in the states pick up a 2005 Fratelli Pardi Sagrantino. It’s about 18 Euro (which I guess is about 22 bucks in the States). I’m from Jersey so next time I get back to the states I promise to bring you a bottle.
I also think Southern Italian wines are underrated. Taurasi, Primitivo, Negromaro…all great and much cheaper.

Great show!

Q – Tuff to say, so many good ones.

Excellent show. I like the recent snappier episodes. I have no problem with the opus two parters with wine industry greats. They have their place. But this is the type of episode that first attracted me to WLTV so many, many moons ago. I still haven’t had that many Dolcettos, but I have learned to appreciate them now.

QOTD: My favorite Italian wine is definitely a good Amarone. In second place would probably be a decent Barolo.

QOTD: Biondi Santi 1997 Brunello Di Montalcino reserva. WOW, one of the best wines i’ve ever had.

Good episode Gary, I am definitely going to start drinking Dolcetto

Sangio

Big picture I think that Brunello offers the best value of all the high-end wine regions of the work, right up there with the Southern Rhone. 2001 La Colombia is right up there…92 pts…best bang for the buck…AMM

Hey Gary,

Just got back in town and saw this very good episode.

QOTD: Barolos are terrific, but for the money the Vino Nobiles bring more value, for my palate. Recently had a Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2004, $15 at Total Wines, and it was excellent for my taste buds.

Mike in Scottsdale

Right now its gots 2 b barbera (sp?) aka the poor man’s pinot. While the price of pinot noir is holding strong smart shoppers can find equivalent value at half the price.

QOTD: 2007 Fontanafredda Barbera Piemonte Briccotondo

I was impressed with this wine. I bought it while in Italy and brought it home to drink in the States. Perhaps the strong memories play a part in my enjoyment of this wine. Nevertheless it suits my fancy.

QOTD: Aglianico del Volture 2004 La Firma by Cantine del Notaio

Thanks Gary for my introduction to Dolcetto. Last night had a 2004 Vigna Dei Prey Dolcetto Di Dogliani and I cannot imagine a more food-friendly wine. I’m thinking Thanksgiving!

Nice episode. I love Dolcetto. My favorite Italian wine is REALLY tough for me as I like a lot of Italian wines. As far as categories I have to name 3: I like Barolo/Barbaresco and they’re probably my overall favorite right now, but I don’t often get to drink good ones when they’re ready. Brunello has traditionally been my favorite because I love the flavor profiles of the old world styled ones and I can (usually) drink them enjoyably when I buy them instead of waiting 5-10 years. I like Barbera from Piedmont because there are so many really good ones that I can afford to drink much more often than those other two categories.

Barolo, baby!

Fun episode – I like to see people talking about something from Piemonte other than Nebbiolo.

QOTD: A little grape called Ruche. Grows only in the town of Monferrato, also in Piemonte. Like crushed rose petals and really nothing else.

qotd: Nebbiolo based red wines I just find so….like they say Haunting

Qotd: It has to be the italian sparkling wines. You get the bubbles of champagne with out the massive amounts of oak.

Mmmmm…dolcettos….I’m getting hungry.
QOTD: There have been a couple of Barolos, and a couple of Amarones that were super excellent, Ripassos that brought thunder for the liras ( euros now ), and a memorable Moscato D’Asti, but the reigning favorite is still the 2008 Sardi Giustiniani Vermentino that we had this summer…super floral, citric nose, with crispy mineral and acid layers forever.

QOTD: tie: Valpoicella and Al – eee – on – uh – ko (Aglianico)

Hey Gary

Thanks for another great show – I’m watching a few I missed in a row and I’m enjoying the efficent manner you’re presenting them in.

QOTD: That’s a hard question and one I’m not going to answer – there are way to many outstanding Italian wines (and to be fair a a lot of rubbish as well) to have a favourite!

Cheers
Andrew

QOTD – Mastroberardino “Radici Riserva” Taurasi, Quintarelli Amarone, or Paolo Bea Sagrantino di Montefalco. All are stunning wines

QOTD: Maybe a Rosso di Montalcino because it’s at my price point. However the answer to this question will change every few months. Primitivo was my answer a few months ago.