October's Wine Salon featured many outstanding northern Italian reds.

The lineup:

Off to a fine start
J. HOFSTÄTTER Pinot Nero “Mezcan” Alto Adige 2006
MASTROBERARDINO “Naturalis Historia” Campania 2000 (Aglianico 85%-Piedirosso 15%)
ELIO ALTARE Langhe 2003 (Barbera)

This palate setting first flight ranged from a light Austrian-influenced Pinot Noir to a monster Barbera (15.5% abv), and just for grins, an Aglianico from southern Italy. Nebbiolo is to northern Italy / What Sangiovese is to central Italy / What Aglianico is to sourthern Italy.  

Hello Barbaresco! 
PODERI COLLA “Roncaglia” Barbareco 1996
SORI PAITIN Babaresco 1999
ALBINO ROCCA “Vigneto Brich Ronchi” Barabresco 2003

A comparison of Barbaresco. 1996 & 1999 were highly lauded, 2003 not so much. Most European wine regions experienced a heat wave that year.

The last in a string of 6
MARCHESI DI BAROLO “Cannubi” Barolo 2001 (1.5L)
MASSOLINO “Vigna Rionda” Barolo 2001
MAURO VEGLIO “Castelletto” Barolo 2001

In 2006, Barolo and Barbaresco started a 6 year succession of highly acclaimed vintages. What a treat to taste three very different 2001's.

Blood and Tears
PIO CESARE Barolo Riserva 1978
SEGHESIO “Vigneto la Villa” Barolo 1998
SEGHESIO “Vigneto la Villa” Barolo 1996

The stand-out here was the 1978, not as floral as I would have  imagined, but its strong suits were earth, tar and kind of a human  blood quality. Thursday, before the Wine Salon, I cut my hand and had to suck on the wound, so it wouldn’t bleed all over a friend's house.  I think I kind of like that taste. Needless to say, a really sexy wine.

A kiss before dying
TRAVAGLINI Gattinara 1965
LE COLLINE “Vino Monsecco” Conte Ravizza Riserva Speciale (pre) Gattinara 1968

I haven't really tried much from the 1960's. I was very excited to see these selections from Dr. Gary Glass' cellar. The 1965 was no longer alive, but still worth a taste. The 1968 on the other hand was beautiful. This wasn't going to rival other aged wines I've tried in my life, but "Yikes!" It was really good. Dr. Glass said it probably was better around eight years ago, but still had interest left in it.

V is for Veneto
SPERI “Mont Sant’Urbano” Amarone della Valpolicella 2004
BUSSOLA “BG” Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2003 (500ml)

Two grand producers from the Veneto. I really enjoyed these, but the Recioto in particular was heavenly. I'm a sucker for the sweet stuff.

I've probably said this many times, I am honored to be in the room with all of these amazing people and am blown away by the generosity and camaraderie. Thank you Mr. Owens for inviting me to participate in the Wine Salon.

 
Anthony Garcia
www.wineisdivine.com