What's the skinny on 08 Piedmonte?

WINE TALK
1

I haven’t tried any yet, but I find this vintage intriguing. The style sounds good for my tastes (more so than the 07 or 09), the prices are still quite reasonable (eg $40 on the Marcarini Brunate 08), and I see lots of points being awarded to many of my favs like the Produttori Riservas (lots of 93-95 pts from AG), Cortese Rabaja (94 pts AG), Azelia single vineyards (94 pts from AG for the Margheria), etc. The Marcarini Brunate also got a 94+ from AG.

I know, who cares about points, but it’s a place to start.

So, some grade inflation going on here or are these as good as advertised? Remember when 93 pts and above used to signify some damn serious juice.

2

Very timely, I’ve been looking at some '08 Produttori as well. Looking forward to hearing commentary

3

08 is good-very good. Better than expected. You really can’t go wrong on any of the wines listed.

4

As good as advertised? Maybe.

What style of wine do you like? 2008 produced some really lovely wines. Cooler fruit, great aromatics, not as fleshy as most vintages, tannins that can be a bit austere. A real fascinating contrast to the vintages that surround it. To many palates those vintages are preferable. They are certainly easier to enjoy now.

The Produttori crus are fabulous across the board. I’ve tasted the Marcarini twice and was not impressed either time. Azelia’s wines were somewhere in the middle. Most competent producers bottled attractive wines. But again it comes down to a stylistic question. Marcarini and Azelia are such different wines that buying them based on the similar point scores they’ve received is almost like buying them on how pretty the labels are.

The trouble with tribbles, the problem with points. Blink and the number goes up.

Pat, what style of wine do you like? Can you suggest some producers in other regions that really fit your palate?

5

Are we into obscure Star Trek allusions here?

6

I am a big fan of '08 and bought many. The Produttori’s are terrific.

7

Obscure?

My friend, you’ve just offended Brad Kane and the legions of trekkies everywhere.

But yes, wine points are very much like tribbles. Soft, cuddly, trivial, ravenous, and rapidly increasing.

We should consume some points in the near future. Down your way perhaps?

8

Excuse me.Obscure should be applied only to those who consider it obscure.
Nice reference,though.

Sounds good to me.Sherri and i are coming up to nY sometime in the next 3 months to celebrate a big birthday,so maybe we can make something happen then.
I’m sure I’d rather get together and share sometime nice than go to see “Wicked”… [wow.gif]

9

First time in my life that I bought the 9-bottle boxed set of 2008 Produttori Riservas. The enoteca damn near gave it away. As I read more and more, I see at least the potential for the 2008s to be the greatest set of Produttoris ever bottled. Beyond that, it seems hard to say where the vintage will shake out…

10

The best set of young Produttori wines I’ve tasted. After tasting them a second time invested in a handful of magnums. You cannot have too many of these wines.

11

I just picked up a bottle each of the '08 Ovello, Montefico, Montestefano, and Rabaja. Something tells me that wasn’t enough, eh? Would it be a horrible idea to open then now to get an idea of the style and then go back for more, or should I just let them rest?

12

Asili is missing…

13

I would open at least one for the purpose of science. And prey to the wine gods that they are not closed down. It is worth a shot. Prices have inched up and they are no longer the amazing deal they once were, thanks AG, still they are value wines. But the larger point here is that 2008 is a good-very good vintage. If you find a producer working in the style you like and the prices are right, the vintage is not a problem. I liked both La Serra and Brunate in 2008 from Marcarini. Brovia also made some nice wines in 2008.

14

Only 2 btls of Asili and 1 each of Montefico and Montestefano for me. The offer arrived at low budget moment for me, and I think perhaps a bit more sourcing is in order.

Bill K, I know you haven’t rated the '08 vintage as highly as, say, '04 and I think also '06, and I suspect you get a good range of new releases at the local taverns (taverni?). You still feel that way overall?

15

Greg is spot on here. If you like these characteristics, you will love the PdB Riservas. I tasted a number of them along side the 2007 counterparts. They were totally different in character. I love “cool” wines and the 2008s are fantastic.

16

Stylistically, I’m kind of a sucker for Nebbiolo, enjoying a range of styles. Produttori is my favorite when price is included, but here’s a sampling of some others I have really enjoyed:
E. Grasso GSM
Clerico various
B. Giacosa (duh)
Roagna
L. Pira
Azelia
and many more…

For some reason, I’ve never had a Vietti that moved me (but perhaps they needed more time). My only beef with Barolo and to a much lesser extent in barbaresco is that some times they can be too austere even for me. I really like some austere elements in a wine especially rustic tannins, but I prefer some fruit in the mix too.

Never had a Marcarini.

17

You have a mix of traditional and modern. Did a visit to Marcarini last year and was very impressed.

18

One (colorful) vote for some grade inflation here.

19

Pat,

You’ve covered the bases. Like Gary said the vintage is not a problem qualitatively. If you’re looking for values also consider Burlotto, Guido Porro, Boasso, Elvio Cogno, and Cascina Delle Rose. Also the classico Barolos of producers like Oddero, Cavallotto, Giovanni Rosso, and Azelia for that matter offer great value. I like all of these wines but they are mostly in the more traditional style.

Hey Gary,

Are you there during Nebbiolo Prima?

20

i would get together with a few like minded souls and try a few of them. they are worth it. If this is your style you’ll regret not loading up at the prices still available. $50 for this kind of juice is a steal.