January 25 2007

Cover Story (Wine Diva's Love Affair with Oregon Part II)
A Bounty from Piedmont (Marc de Grazia-Canadian Tour)
New Reviews (recently tasted)
Taste Bites (How Cheesy, Chic Tofu?)
Wine Diva-isms (Sake and Other Intrigues)

A Bounty From

Piedmont

The Marc de Grazia Western Canadian tour made a brief stop in Vancouver on January 15th 2007.
Here is a sampling of Wine Diva's tasting notes from several producers.
These wines are not yet available but watch for them in specialty wine boutiques and fine restaurants in the next few months.
Typically these wines will benefit from additional ageing in your cellar, although some are drinking quite nicely now!

Claudio Alario Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Costa Fiore”Piedmont It, 2005-100% Dolcetto-Soft, supple and brimming over with cherry, liquorice and aromatic spices with an underlying hint of nuttiness on the finish. A beautiful inky Dolcetto drinking nicely now-worth the price of admission.
$28.00 approx.

Claudio Alario Barbera d’Alba “Valetta”, Piedmont It., 2004-
100% Barbera-Sweet dried fruit, dusty earth and leather with rich cocoa and sweet spices. Velvety-lush and creamy on the palate with fine tannins. Drinking nicely now, but cellar time won't hurt a bit!
Worth the investment!
$41.00 approx.

Claudio Alario Barolo "Riva", Piedmont It., 2004-Nebbiolo-
Ripe cherry, dark flowers and rhubarb with anise and herbal hints. A warm smooth mouth-filling wine spiked with warm spices. A must have for Barolo lovers!
$72.00 approx

Matteo Correggia Langhe Bianco, Piedmont It., 2004-
The stand-out white for me at this tasting. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from 16 year old vines this beauty is lush with pineapple, herbs and grass and has a solid, chalky minerality. Fresh yet smooth on the palate it is a pleasure to drink. Drinking nicely now.
$49.00 approx.

Matteo Correggia Roero, Piedmont It., 2004-Nebbiolo
Sweet and juicy fruit, almost candied red berry and cherry aromas. Dark flowers and earth-long and sweetly smooth on the palate. Lovely!
$29.00 approx.

Domenico Clerico Langhe Dolcetto "Visadi", Piedmont Italy, 2005-100% Dolcetto- Gorgeous smoked aromas, dark fruit and sweet herbal notes. Earthy and meaty on the palate with dusty cocoa flavours on the finish.
$30.00 approx.

Domenico Clerico Barolo "Ciabot Mentin Ginestra", Piedmont It., 2003-Nebbiolo-Elegant. Like velvet and iron-softness and freshness with underlying power. Ripe red cherry and plum with rich earth, dark floral and iodine aromas. It has some grip on the finish but cellar time will solve that.
$119.00 approx.

Paulo Manzone Barolo "Serralunga", Piedmont It.,2001-Beautiful lifted fruit and flora aromas. Sour cherry, leather and roasted beets with delicate red berries and earth with tobacco and light spice on the finish. Drinking nicely now.
$64.00 approx.

Moccagatta Langhe Chardonnay "Buschet", Piedmont It., 2004-
Rich tropical fruit aromas, butterscotch and nutty, toasted oak. Creamy and buttery on the palate. Lush!
Drinking nicely now.
$51.00 approx.

Moccagatta Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont Italy, 2005-100% Barbera Gorgeous ruby clarity in this wine. Pretty violets, cherries, tar and mineral aromas. Fresh and clean on the palate with a smooth texture.
$78.00 approx.

Elio Altare Barolo, Piedmont Italy, 2003-Nebbiolo-Lifted fruit aromas-intense dried cherry and banana, sweet floral and earthy aromas. Bright and juicy yet quite full on the palate with tight gripping tannins on the finish.
One for the cellar!
$135.00 approx

Paulo Scavino Barbera d'Alba "Affinato in Carati", Piedmont Italy, 2004-100% Barbera-Beautiful nutty and creamy red berry fruit aromas. Lush and supple on the palate with intense dried fruit and rich mineral flavours.
$57.00 approx.