Finally A New Book About Barolo And Barbaresco

WINE TALK
103

It does seem like a strange omission, Oliver - in that earlier link Paul posted to her WE ratings, she actually reviewed the 2010 Ravera and gave it 95 points, so she’s certainly familiar with Vietti. And as Gary rightly pointed out, it’s not like Vietti is some “Johnny come lately” to the scene.

Oh well [scratch.gif]

104

The lack of a section on Vietti is a significant oversight and hard to understand given the quality of their wines and their historical importance.

105

She’s been visiting the area regularly for twenty years or more and is clearly expert, she certainly knows Vietti. It was a decision, not an omission. I don’t know why she didn’t include them, but it doesn’t invalidate the rest of the book.

Some of the earlier remarks about this book being intended for beginners are way off. I have been in love with Barolo for almost 30 years, I’ve been in the Italian wine business for much of that time, and I’ve been spending a month a year just south of the Barolo zone for ten years, and I found this book fascinating and very informative. I would also say that, although her taste tends to run to traditional wines, or at any rate away from wines ‘made in the cellar,’ she is very open minded about producers that are ‘in the middle,’ much more so than I am, at any rate.

106

True that it does not invalidate the rest of the book, but the hole is big enough to drive a semi through. And you can understand why others may be less forgiving. And this is not the only questionable choice/omission/decision.

107

+1 I think I can fairly claim to be a Nebbiolo geek, and I have learned a lot from this book.

108

No, I’m a Nebbiolo geek, I think you can fairly claim to be a Nebbiolo God, Ken.

109

More like a Nebbiolo putz [stirthepothal.gif] [cheers.gif]

110

Just imagine what readers might learn if the book was well written.

111

You are such a hater. It’s a terrific book. Not a perfect book, but the best book there is by a wide margin.

112

Thank you for the kind words.

114

I think I’ve determined that this book would be an informative and pleasurable read for me, but I’d definitely look forward to Gary’s book on the subject (hopefully to include a section on the Alto Piemonte!).

I was unfamiliar with this writer before and honestly it was the Wine Enthusiast connection that initially put me off.

115

I wouldn’t omit Vietti. That is for sure. And it is good and useful information to know that you can’t talk about a book unless you have written one on the topic.

116

I enjoyed her Brunello book. I imagine I’ll be referencing it quite a bit in the future as I was unfamiliar with many of the names she discusses. Thus, I’m looking forward to receiving her Barolo/Barbaresco book. Tempted to go the Kindle route for instant gratifiation but in the end ordered a hard copy – I find hard copies are easier to reference/pull off the shelf to check something in subsequent years…

117

Does she badmouth any/ any of your producers, Oliver? Did she omit any? Curious, as you seem to be very laudatory of the book.

118

I’ve never met Gary (although if I was ever down in Richmond, I would check his restaurant out), but guys like Bill Klapp and Gary are not afraid to voice opinions, and that does tend to get the folks who believe “It’s all good” a little antsy. IMO, there’s nothing wrong with voicing legitimate criticism.

I have met Ken V numerous times, and while I respect his knowledge of Piemonte, I still can’t call this book “A” material - the fact that it may be the best thing on the market currently just serves to underscore how poorly Piemonte has been served since Wasserman’s passing.

So it’s certainly okay, but at least IMO, don’t get too excited waiting for your copy. That said, if you’re new to the area and just ramping up your Nebbiolo obsession, it’s probably going to feed that new obsession pretty well. Just be aware that there are highly regarded producers like Vietti or Roagna that aren’t covered in the book.

One thing I will credit Kerin for - she does give exposure to some of the “newer” and/or less well-known producers, so from the standpoint of “broadening” one’s Nebbiolo palate, this isn’t a bad way to go.

119

Stuart,

You’ve caught me, the only reason I like this book is because my producers are in it. Very astute of you to notice. I actually dictated the parts about Castello di Verduno, Germano Ettore and Cavallotto, just to make sure they were sufficiently laudatory; can’t take chances.

120

Good for you for being thorough Oliver. A lost trait now a days.

:slight_smile:

121

I really need to learn to be more suspicious of people’s motives. Especially someone like Oliver, whose past behavior has been so impeccable that one would never suspect him of secretly pushing his own agenda unless one was very diligent & able to see through the sneakiest of disguises.

122

Trust no-one, Todd.

123

Bob,

Check the index, under ‘Roagna.’