Piemonte
My heart fell for Barolo when I tasted a bottle of 98’ Montprivito, and it was 3 years ago in Washington DC. The floral, smoke, cherry aromas were so unique and amazing and I started my quest in understanding Italian wines.
My quest now takes me to the home of Barolo – Piemonte, Italy. It’s a guided wine tour in the area for 5 days organized by Italian Wine Merchants. The group is quite small, by Hong Kong standard – total of 9 people. We are here because we all love wines, more so for some.
On Day 3…. visited 3 renowned vineyards – Massolino, Gaja and Poderi Aldo Conterno. We were greeted warmly by Franco Massolino, Angelo Gaja and Giacomo Conterno – the owners.
Franco at the cellar
Franco showed us his heart in making wine. After the tour he walked with us through the narrow streets to a small family restaurant and dined with us over lunch. We tasted his very elegant Chardonnay, young and easy to drink Dolcetto, Barbera, and the highlight was the Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva DIECI X ANNI 1999. The wine was aged for 10 years before releasing to the market.
Elegant Chardonnay
And why? Well, because a lot of Barolos were consumed too young. To keep the wine in the cellar when it’s starting to peak is to make sure the wines will be enjoyed when it’ s ready, not sooner!
Barolo 99'
And … that is what I meant by “heart”!
Grape Wine Journey 
Leave a Reply