The Wines of This Week's Tasting:
Fratelli Alessandria
October 16, 2024
Bianco
2023 Langhe Favorita
Their lone white wine should not be missed. A Piedmont native, Favorita is related to Vermentino. A queen of Savoy named it by pronouncing it her favorite wine. It's crisp and savory with floral and fruity accents and a mineral vein.
Aroma: Fresh notes of White flower citrus, stone fruit, and honeysuckle. Mouth: Grapefruit and lemon zest, juicy white peaches, apricots, and fresh almonds, balanced by chalky, stony flavors and a hint of smoke on this finish. Very Good $21, Case $17.99
Rosso
2023 Barbera D’Alba
A selection of younger vines from two well-placed, cooler vineyards in Verduno. This produces wines with plush fruit and perfect balance. A truly versatile food wine, whether it's paired with roast chicken, herb-crusted salmon, or beef short-rib braised in a red wine sauce.
Aroma: Ripe red cherries, plum, and a touch of blackberry, intertwined with hints of violet and a subtle spice. Mouth: Red currant, wild berries, toasted almond, and a touch of earthiness add complexity. Bright acidity and soft tannins make this wine approachable and perfect for early enjoyment. Very Good $23.99, Case 19.99
2023 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale
A rare and intriguing wine made from the Pelaverga grape known for producing light, aromatic reds. Peliverga is to Barolo what Beaujolais is to red burgundy—a fantastic pairing to veal saltimbocca, roasted pork tenderloin, and especially for Thanksgiving turkey dinner.
Aroma: Bursting with vibrant notes of red berries, strawberries, and pomegranate, interwoven with enticing notes of white pepper, herbs, and a touch of violet. Mouth: It is light-bodied yet flavorful, with a juicy, fresh acidity that balances the bright fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry. The hallmark of this wine is its subtle but persistent peppery spice, which adds a savory dimension and a long, refreshing finish. Very Good Plus $27.99, Case $23.99
2021 Prinsiot Langhe Nebbiolo
This is a youthful, vibrant expression of Nebbiolo, with Nebbiolo's elegance and complexity in a more approachable and fresh style. From younger vines, it's perfect for early drinking, with some of the grape's structure and depth.
Aroma: An inviting fragrance where notes of cherry and raspberry are lifted by floral undertones of rose and violet, as well as hints of spices and earth.
Mouth: Balanced and well-structured, notes of cherry, pomegranate, and tart berries tannins are finely polished, harmoniously marrying with the wine's lively acidity, leading to a fresh, persistent finish. Very Good -Excellent $32, Case $26.99
2020 Barolo di Verduno
This Barolo has all the hallmarks of a great "Normale, with grapes from five vineyards, that produce superb fruit. It is accessible now but still has the polish, nuance, and complexity to drink like its single-cru counterparts.
Aroma: Wild red berry, dark macerated cherry, cedar spice box, earthy truffle, mint, and candied orange rind. Mouth: Acidity lifts youthful tension, delivering ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise, and tobacco blend set against taut, fine-grained tannins, with a finish that will have you thirsting for more. Excellent $64, Case $54
Alessandria Everyday Case, three bottles each of the first four wines $274
You can add or substitute any of the cru Barolos at their case prices
Not in the tasting. Available in very limited quantities
2020 Barolo Gramolere
The Barolo Gramolere Cru exudes elegance from your first impression fragrance to setting your glass down to enjoy the finish. In Monforte D'Alba, It's their only vineyard outside of Verduno. Its sandier soil flecked with limestone s and warmer southwest exposure yields an ethereal mineral-driven Barolo.
Aroma: A harmony of rich dark berry compote, dried cherry, menthol, spice, dried herbs, and various balsamic inflections that add character. A mineral mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins accompany juicy Bing cherry, strawberry compote, licorice, and nutmeg before closing on a hint of hazelnut. Tightly woven, velvety tannins provide an elegant finish. Outstanding $96, Case $82
2020 Barolo Monvigliero
The Monvigliero hill is Verduno's "grand cru," its most classicly Barolo with a tremendous pedigree that is off-the-charts gorgeous. The vineyard's perfect soil composition, elevation, light exposure, and long ripening on the vine yields impeccable fruit.
Aroma: Wild cherry, spiced blood orange, crushed rose petal, spicy dried tobacco leaf, clove, and dustings of black pepper. Mouth: Cherry Kirsch liquor, cassis, tangerine, mint, white pepper, a hint of bitters, balanced acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a persistent and lingering finish. An absolute knockout and a must-have for any Barolo aficionado. Outstanding Plus $119, Case $99
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- Len Rothenberg
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