The Autumn issue of my Italian Wine Report has recently been published, and in this issue, I review new releases of wines from Chianti Classico, Campania and Piemonte, along with a few other regions. From Piemonte, I have my initial reviews of the soon-to-be-released Barolos from the 2018 vintage; I tasted these wines during my recent visit to the area. These are very impressive offerings, ones that are elegant with excellent varietal character, notable harmony, and a fine sense of place. 2018 should be a very good preview of what is to come for Barolo in 2019, 2020 and 2021, three consecutive years that promise greatness.
I also review other wines from several Piemonte producers, including Gian Luca Colombo, an artisan winemaker and grape grower in Roddi. While his Barolo and Barbera d’Alba are well done, it is his Pinot Nero and Verduno Pelaverga that are his top wines. The latter, from the 2020 vintage, is as impressive an example of this red wine that I have ever tasted. Displaying notes of white pepper in the aromas and finish, along with perfumes of pink roses, backed by a rich mid-palate and moderate tannins, this is outstanding. I love Barolo and Barbaresco, but do yourself a favor and seek out a Verduno Pelaverga or Grignolino for a startlingly different Piemontese red.
The Autumn issue of Italian Wine Report was recently sent to subscribers. Published quarterly, the price of a subscription is $60 for four issues. If you would like to subscribe, please leave me a message and I will send you payment information.
learnitalianwines - by tom hyland 