Two wines in the Italian departure lounge.
Our work colleague and good friend Keleigh O recently secured a teaching position in Northern Italy. We had her over last night to celebrate the next step in her incredible journey.
Italian wine for and Italian adventure. Congratulations, you will have a ball. I am only a little jealous.
The Vietti first, followed by the 2014 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Le Volte Toscana IGT which will have tasting notes posted soon.
Part 1 – My Barbera sweet spot.
It wasn’t until I started exploring Barolo and Barbaresco that I tried Barbera. It is no surprise it appeals to me, it leans heavily into the elegant, structured style of wine that is my current sweet spot.
Decanted for 20 minutes. I find these younger, savoury styles do not need the time bigger, more fruit driven wines require.
Vibrant purple in the glass with a slightly clearing rim. Cherries on the nose with sweet spices and violets in the background.I get the impression the spices are from the fruit, if it is oak, well integrated. It is a pretty, feminine nose. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, cherries are still the dominant fruit profile. The acid is lively and creates a great mouth feel with long drying tannins. This wine style is right in my wheel house, and the score reflects it. I can imagine this wine is polarising and those who enjoy more full bodied, fruit forward varieties find this less appealing.
Excellent value for money.
90 pts.
Drink now – 2025.
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