Piemontemio

Great to see these awards for one of my favourite neighbours!

Wine Advocate Antonio Galloni,

“This is a stunning set of wines from the Sottimano family. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the wines of the vintage and are not to be missed. The transparency and sheer class of these wines is first-rate.”

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Adolescent Amo & Mocha

Having had a Summer with little or no rain the weather in the past week made up for it. After the tragedies in Liguria last week we now have our fingers crossed that the rain of the past couple of days is absorbed locally although Her Outdoors had to make several detours to get home from shopping on the other side of the Tanaro. The principal bridge we use to cross it was closed and necessitated a 30 minute detour via Asti where the floodwater was also threatening the road. The weather has had little impact on our excursions although our adolescent puppy has been another matter. (more…)

Evan Byrne- Giovanni Rosso

I must admit that I am only scratching the surface when it comes to the sheer number of Barolo producers and I also find it difficult to get to grips with quality young’uns. I recently visited the cantina of Giovanni Rosso in Serralunga d’Alba now run by son Davide where we were shown round by Evan Byrne an engaging Brit who has the added advantage of being a sport fanatic but more importantly a knowledgeable Spurs fan.  (more…)

Monte Viso from Andrea Oberto

Fabio Oberto

As a generalisation, I object to paying up for Barolo for, an extra year in wood, which is not always a good thing, and the cache of the name. I don’t think the extra €10 or so a bottle is usually justified over equivalent Barbarescos. There are of course exceptions. Almost a year ago I tasted the wines of Andrea Oberto at the annual La Morra October tasting event and made a note to visit the cantina.

A couple of weeks ago I got the opportunity via Richard a mate who helps son Fabio hone his already excellent English. It proved to be a rewarding experience.

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Stevio almost ready to leave

Stevio at Villa Cornarea

The arrival of Stevio & Moya completely changed our focus this month as we rushed around for 6 days to fill every available space in his car not taken up with luggage. Over 300 bottles of wine, cheese, Primo Montaldo’s pork fillets, salami etc. With the odd tasting thrown in at Fontanabianca, Villa Cornarea, Lodali & Dante Rivetti. What time we had left over we simply ate and drank. (more…)

Loredana Adarri

Enzo Rapalino

Now it’s getting dark a little earlier and it’s a bit chilly overnight, it’s time belatedly  to unravel my thoughts and notes  on tastings I attended during the summer. Not the easiest task as what seemed  perfectly clear at the time and only needed a one word description or symbol is now completely meaningless. I need a more disciplined approach but hey ho this is pleasure not work, heaven forbid.

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Mrs Pain

For the first time this summer we are finally without guests and family and the only noise is the sound of wine being made. With the white grapes, Dolcetto and Barbera already safely gathered he weather seems perfect for the upcoming Nebbiolo harvest: still 25c by day but chilly at night. Black truffles and Porcini mushrooms are providing the vanguard for the Alba white truffle.A hectic summer that has meant little attention to Piemontemio.com so here are some thoughts, news and photos:  (more…)

Elton John in Lucca 2011

Summer is a great time to be in Italy as there are no end of Festas, Festivals, Fieras. We have managed to visit quite a few and despite being in love with Piemonte have even ventured further afield to Lucca in Toscana (Tuscany) which hosts a Musical Festival in July. The artists are always top names and the open-air concerts take place in the small atmospheric Piazza Napoleone in the centre of the walled historical City.

B.B.King

This year was no exception and we were lucky to be able to see Sir Elton John, B.B. King and Joe Cocker in that order over a couple of evenings. It’s a great venue and only holds an audience of a couple of  thousand or so people. Much more personal than a huge arena or stadium. (more…)

Darryl Baldwin and chef Davide Odore

View from the terrace

There are no shortage of classy restaurants in Piemonte and the best quite often  have prices to match but every now and then we stumble upon a gem that provides exceptional cucina without breaking the bank. Davide Odore is a talented chef and Io e Luna in Montebello a frazione of Guarene is a must for visitors to the region. (more…)

Orlando Pecchenino

Dolcetto is the everyday wine of the Langhe and it is usually light and fruity and drunk young. At most of the tastings I attend I usually think “OK, pleasant but not for me”. Occasionally that indifference is shattered and our visit to the family-run Pecchenino winery (recently featured in Wine Spectator)was just such an occasion. The winery has been handed down from father to son since the end of the 18th century and since 1987 has been managed by Orlando and Attilio. The current cantina was completed in 2000 and further reconstruction has been taking place culminating in the opening of an Agriturismo in October (2011).  There will be 5 rooms and the location is stunning, perched on a hilltop with 360° degree views of the surrounding countryside. (more…)