Tasting the Wines of Piemonte

Last week, Ciao Andiamo was excited to team up with Rosenthal Wine Merchant (a boutique wine retailer in NYC), for a tasting tour of the wonderful wines of Piemonte.

Barolo, Italy

We loved the idea of focusing on Piemonte both because of its off-the-beaten-path rustic beauty, as well as the richness of its many gastronomic delights and formidable Italian wines. Piemonte, literally meaning 'foot of the mountain', is nestled in the northwestern corner of Italy, full of picturesque hill towns, panoramic countryside and surrounding mountain ranges that include the Alps.

The event featured a stellar line-up of six wines from the region (see full wine list below), including four typical Piemonte reds, from lighter-bodied Dolcetto and Barbera to Nebbiolo grape-based Barbaresco and Barolo. Capping the tasting was a Moscato D'Asti, lightly sweet with a little sparkle, perfect for the tail end of warmer weather.

And what would be a wine tasting without some cheese and treats?...To balance the rich flavors of the Piemonte reds, we served up grissini--thin, crunchy Italian bread sticks, which you've probably seen before, but may not have known that they've been around for anywhere from 400-600 years, originating in the city of Torino (Turin) in Piemonte, and still very typical today in the region. We also featured some tasty cheeses of the north, including Casatica di Bufala, rich in flavor with a smooth, spreadable texture; Castelrosso, crumbly and complex; and Quadrello di Bufala, sweet and creamy, like a Taleggio but made from buffalo's milk.

We had a wonderful turnout, with a packed house and the event going strong right up until the last pour, so grazie mille to all who could attend!...

And many thanks to Will at Rosenthal for the excellent line-up of Piemonte wines and expert commentary. Here's the night's full tasting recap (my personal favorite was the Barbera. Medium-bodied with some nice flavor and not too hard on the wallet)...

White
Erbaluce di Caluso "La Torrazza" (Ferrando) 2009

Reds
Dolcetto d'Alba (De Forville) 2010
Barbera d'Asti "Cascina Buc" (DeForville) 2008

Reds-Nebbiolo Based
Barbaresco (DeForville) 2007
Barolo "Garblet Sué" (Brovia) 2007

Con Dolci (sweeter dessert wine)
Moscato d'Asti "Cascina Buc" (De Forville) 2010