To spend an evening with one of the B’s is a blessing, but to spend it with all 3 B’s? Now that’s just heaven. Led by Mauro Cirilli of the North American Sommelier Association, our class featured wines from three of the most reputable regions of Italy: Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello di Montalcino. A native from Venice, Mauro was the perfect candidate to lead this excursion through these three amazing regions.
Mauro dove deep into the nitty gritty of each region describing the varietals that dominate, the differentials in climate, the variances in soil types, and most importantly, the characteristics of the wines produced. Although many people know that Barolo and Barbaresco both produce the Nebbiolo grape, not everyone might be familiar with the differences the two have in wine styles. For that matter, some may not be acquainted with the characteristics of the Sangiovese grape and why it has made Brunello di Montalcino as celebrated and renowned as it is. With so much to learn and so much to taste, this class definitely had no problem keeping everyone interested and having a great time.
My favorite wine of the night?
Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino 2001
Even with a bit of Brett on the nose, this wine is still wonderfully aromatic with notes of meatiness, muskiness, and wet doggy-ness. This Brunello is well-balanced with fresh acidity, smooth tannin, and notes of dusty wood, red cherry, red currant, and smoky coals on the palate with Pico de Gallo on the finish.
Thanks to Mauro and Brian for such an exciting class on these awesome B’s of Italy!
-Julie Albin
Wine List
1.Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2006
2.Moccagatta Bric Balin Barbaresco 2004
3.Burlotto Vigneto Monvigliero Barolo 2000
4.Vietti Barolo Brunate 2005
5.Luigi Einaudi Costa Grimaldi 2006
6.Talenti Brunello di Montalcino 1999
7.Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Rennina Brunello di Montalcino 2004
8. Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino 2001