We had a really fun offline with some Indiana wine folks last night. The theme was “interesting Nebbiolo”, and we were joined by @Patrick_Taylor, and three others who I don’t think are on WB.
The format was that all bottles were covered, and we tasted through them blind, taking a few minutes to talk about our impressions. Then everyone unveiled their bottle and explained what made that bottle “interesting.” Here was the line up:
1996 Cantina Vignaioli Barbaresco. This was chosen as interesting because it’s almost 30 years old. The consensus is that this was “too old”. It had nice acid, but that was about it.
2012 Produttori del Barbaresco. What made this interesting was that it had questionable storage (sat on a store shelf for 10 years before purchase). It was much more advanced than it should be, and was on the downslope, but still drinkable.
2020 Prima Materia Nebbiolo. This was interesting because it was from California rather than Italy. In comparison to the two previous entries, this came across as particularly youthful.
2009 Andria Oberto Barolo. I forget the story of this bottle, except that it was the last bottle in @Patrick_Taylor’s cellar. This was probably my favorite bottle of the night.
2010 Reverdito Barolo. This was interesting because it was a wine that one of our party had distributed in a previous career. This was probably my second favorite bottle of the night.
Thanks to @Patrick_Taylor for traveling all the way from western Indiana to attend, and for bringing two guests that were a lot of fun. Hopefully we’ll be able to organize another offline in the upcoming months.
The 2009 Andrea Oberto was one of my first large purchases; it was $19.99 on Cinderella Wine. I split a case with a buddy and drank them way too early, but for one bottle I wanted to try with some real aging. It was really quite good my fave of the night. Probably drinking at peak.
The Prima Materia was youthful and approachable, and was my 2nd favorite for best nose, a nose behind the Reverdito.
I really enjoyed tasting them blind for just a few minutes per wine, then spending the rest of the time simply enjoying them. I learned that trick from @Phil_T_r_o_t_t_e_r 's tasting group but keep forgetting to implement it.
The other thing I noticed is how great Nebbiolo pairs with charcuterie, especially Smoking Goose’s Dodge City salami.
The entire evening was a blast and my Crü did not encounter any freezing rain on the drive home. Thank you again for hosting!
@Patrick_Taylor@Charles_Perry Sounds like a delicious evening! Many thanks for Dodge City Salame hat tip with Oberto’s La Morra classic – serious yum. I think it’s the fennel pollen that makes Dodge City such a terrific pairing here…but maybe one more bite/sip to be sure
