Wine is the great mood modifier.
Shell woke up in a less than ideal mood. Her disposition filled the room with a thick fog of bad attitude. She was aware of the situation but continued on the theme throughout the day. She fluctuated between abrasive comments and immediately apologising, only to repeat the behaviour over and over. If my attention was elsewhere, she insisted I engage with her. Moments later I was told to go away, she was not here to entertain me.
A trip to the supermarket was only going to make matters worse, yet Shell insisted on coming. On the trip home, she informed me my tone was argumentative. A familiar trap, if I argue I am not argumentative, I am arguing, confirming the claim. I played safe and did not answer, which landed me in the rude and insolent camp.
There is a remedy to this affliction, wine is the great mood modifier. Play it safe and offer to cook dinner, of her choice, and suddenly there are smiles all around. A challenging day became a wonderful evening. I cooked her meatballs in tomato sauce with polenta. We opened a stunning bottle from one of her preferred wine regions. Doors played from the speaker and all was well.
I have told the Elio Altare story a few times now, but every time I open an Altare bottle I am reminded of his tale. The story is now a legend in Piedmont, of how Elio and his young friends, frustrated with poor winemaking techniques made the trip to Burgundy and saw the Pinot grape masterfully crafted into the world’s greatest wine.
On return, he argued with his Father on making changes in both the vineyards and the winery. When his pleas fell on deaf ears he took a chainsaw to the large, unclean barrels used in the winery. Taking the reins, Elio and his friends started a small revolution in Piedmont. While there are some traditionalists, the influence is felt everywhere in improved hygiene in the winery and better vineyard practice.
Decanted for 15 minutes.
Barbera
Nebbiolo
The colour is medium ruby with a slight clearing rim. The nose is vibrant, with primary fruit of black sour cherries dominating a complex and intense nose. In the background is jasmine and other flowers I cannot identify. Hints of vanilla indicate there might be some oak, but it is well integrated. There is leather, iodine, and some forest floor rounding out an intriguing nose. The palate is intense, youthful and balanced. It has medium plus acid and medium plus tannin yet remains in perfect balance. Sour cherries dominate the palate with a lovely minerality coming through.
A wine of intensity and balance that remains elegant. Excellent drinking.
92 pts.
Drink now – 2030.
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