The Barbaresco I mentioned last week is now on the shelves in over a 100 LCBOs. I don’t usually get too excited over $20 wines but this brings something different to the scene ““ a high quality red wine available around the province, and a wine style that’s almost extinct. It will appeal to anyone looking for an alternative to the big, jammy, smooth reds that dominate the scene today. To anyone looking for grace over power.
Barbaresco dances to the same beat as Pinot Noir. The appearance and first impressions are deceptively pale and simple. Flavours, are delivered with poise rather than power. Charm replaces heft. The wine unfolds in its own time and not before refreshing and teasing you. This is wine in the old style. Mannerly, quite dry with a taste that goes beyond fruits ““ don’t even try to describe it.
Castello di Neive Barbaresco is the wine equivalent of good conversation and good courtship. It will engage you and leave you wanting more. Best with simply grilled meats ““ red or white. Enjoy over the next two years and lightly chill in the summer months.
CASTELLO di NEIVE 06 Barbaresco, Piedmont. Italy 160143 $19.95 (this was formerly a Vintages wine that sold for $23.95)
I recently bought your latest book and am “demoing” it now: I bought 10 of the recommended wines for samples: 5 white and 5 red. I also have been enjoying your Vintage release reviews. I’m located in Ottawa and have taken some courses in wine appreciation and grape varietals at Algonquin College but stopped short when they went into the AOC’s, etc. I was in the same class as Rod Phillips (actually outscored him the early courses). I find your reporting style refreshing and intuitive but at the same time well founded on knowledge of the fundamentals and traditions of great wine making. I recently retired and while I have always looked for value wines my search is now more focussed than ever: thanks for your help! Cheers – Marc
I rarely spend this much on a bottle -let alone open one on a Tuesday night – but your description and the prime rib roast leftovers called for it.
The first sip took me surprise… much like getting an over-enthusiastic nudge on the chin by an old friend, followed by a comforting bear hug.
I love it!
I’ll be buying this again… it’s still delicious after 2 days in the fridge.