(Feb. 11, 2015) — East Meets West in 1998 Barolo

Most wine lovers will have Barolo among their favourite wine producing areas. Located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, the DOCG consists of several communes in addition to Barolo. On this occasion we have wines from three of them. All eight wines are from the 1998 vintage, a year of drought which produced more accessible wines. As a result these should be drinking very well.

Using the same Nebbiolo grape, the two parts of Barolo produce wines with different characteristics. Wines from the west side (communes of La Morra and Barolo) are found in the Central Valley grow on more clay soil, are typically more perfumed and elegant. Those from the eastern communes come from the Serralunga Valley (Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, and Castiglione Falletto) are more austere and concentrated and need a longer time to mature. This is a result of the sand and limestone soil in which they grow.

We have four wines from the east and four from the west. From the east side all four wines are from the commune of La Mora. The two generics are produced by Giavano Corino and Fratelli Revello. Rounding out the east we will be tasting two vineyard-designated wines, Marcenasco Rocche, produced by Renato Ratti, and Brunate from the producer Marengo.

From the west side of the region are the two generics from Serralunga d’Alba, one by Leon Rivetto and the other by Pio Cesare. The first vineyard designated wine, also from Serralunga d’Alba is Bricco Rocche Prapo produced by Ceretto. The second designated wine is Ginestra by the producer Paolo Conterno from the commune of Monforte d’Alba.

We expect this to be a very popular event and hope to see you there.

As always with our tastings, this event will be strictly non-smoking, and we request your cooperation in not wearing any scented after-shave or perfume. Using public transit is strongly encouraged.

Cancellations accepted up to February 6, 2015. See the event form for cancellation contact details. No reservations by phone, please. No confirmations will be issued — you will be contacted only if we are sold out. First come basis. Non-members may attend at guest rates, but preference will be given to members.

Download the event form if you wish to mail in your reservation cheque.