Hot Sheets
Summer Piedmont Picnic Monday
5 Summer Piedmont Picnic wines
Arneis, Dolcetto & more
Arneis, Dolcetto & more
Located in Barbaresco, Luigi Giordano is one of the spiritual cardinals of traditional winemaking in the region and this extends to their wines that other than Nebbiolo.
This is a dreamy Dolcetto. It is red and not purple (we're in Barbaresco, not Dogliani) and may be served at room temperature or chilled. A classic red wine for the whole meal with a red-ruby color, penetrating aromatics slight spicy-earth note. Soulful, yet smooth, fresh and balanced, with the bursting aftertaste typical of Dolcetto. Think of a mostly well-behaved dog who out of nowhere steals your slice of pizza. Speaking of which, this wine pairs very well with New York style pizza, tempura zucchini, steak or tuna tartare, cheeseburgers, or a penne Bolognese.
This is a dreamy Dolcetto. It is red and not purple (we're in Barbaresco, not Dogliani) and may be served at room temperature or chilled. A classic red wine for the whole meal with a red-ruby color, penetrating aromatics slight spicy-earth note. Soulful, yet smooth, fresh and balanced, with the bursting aftertaste typical of Dolcetto. Think of a mostly well-behaved dog who out of nowhere steals your slice of pizza. Speaking of which, this wine pairs very well with New York style pizza, tempura zucchini, steak or tuna tartare, cheeseburgers, or a penne Bolognese.
The Negro family have been grape growers and winemakers in the Roero hills since 1670. In the early 1970s Giovanni Negro produced one of the first dry Arneis in the region and this Riserva offering comes from a historical, diverse vineyard site at one thousand feet in elevation.
The calcareous/sandy soils laced with fossilized shells are what drive this way above the norm Arneis. Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Fine floral, prominent nectarine, ginger and fastidious wet stone aspects shine on the nose. Layered and inviting mouthfeel with great quench along with breathtaking bursts of stone fruit and citrus energy. Dazzling, lengthy, snap-back finish that is serious business indeed. A wonderful choice for any lover of the great whites of the world.
The calcareous/sandy soils laced with fossilized shells are what drive this way above the norm Arneis. Savory aromas that are expressive and aromatic fill the glass. Fine floral, prominent nectarine, ginger and fastidious wet stone aspects shine on the nose. Layered and inviting mouthfeel with great quench along with breathtaking bursts of stone fruit and citrus energy. Dazzling, lengthy, snap-back finish that is serious business indeed. A wonderful choice for any lover of the great whites of the world.
Grignolino is not exactly a household grape varietal…even when it comes to Piedmont’s wines. This ancient grape almost disappeared from the region with the popularity of others like Nebbiolo and Barbera overtaking it. Recently, a small and outspoken resurgence is taking place and of course Olim Bauda brothers Dino & Gianni Bertolino are right on the scene.
In some ways one could treat this wine as an unoaked Valpolicella or vivid Beaujolais but honestly the attitude and approach is very individual. Best served with a slight chill, strawberry, ground pepper, underbrush and sage notes follow through to a vivid, succulent, high-toned palate that has plenty of middle suppleness to go with the plucky nature of the grape. Enjoy with lasagna or a zucchini/ricotta pasta, grilled chicken or a mushroom tart.
In some ways one could treat this wine as an unoaked Valpolicella or vivid Beaujolais but honestly the attitude and approach is very individual. Best served with a slight chill, strawberry, ground pepper, underbrush and sage notes follow through to a vivid, succulent, high-toned palate that has plenty of middle suppleness to go with the plucky nature of the grape. Enjoy with lasagna or a zucchini/ricotta pasta, grilled chicken or a mushroom tart.
A notable Piedmont estate, Serafino was lost in the wilderness for many years until purchased by the Krause family in 2015. In the last decade they, along with winemaker Paolo Giacosa are restoring the quality and image thus putting it into its rightful position as one of influence and history.
Serafino is in Canele in the Asti region, but their presence is throughout the Piedmont region, including the commune of Gavi since 1914. Located in the far southeastern reaches of the region, close to Genoa and made from the Cortese grape, the clay & marl-based soils shine. Lime and apple notes intermingle nicely with mineral on the nose and carry over to an attacking texture that has burst and saline qualities. Lovely briskness buffers surprisingly penetrating components, especially on the finish. This blazing white absolutely screams out for crab, although mussels or cod will work well, too.
Serafino is in Canele in the Asti region, but their presence is throughout the Piedmont region, including the commune of Gavi since 1914. Located in the far southeastern reaches of the region, close to Genoa and made from the Cortese grape, the clay & marl-based soils shine. Lime and apple notes intermingle nicely with mineral on the nose and carry over to an attacking texture that has burst and saline qualities. Lovely briskness buffers surprisingly penetrating components, especially on the finish. This blazing white absolutely screams out for crab, although mussels or cod will work well, too.
Wine does not always have to be serious. Nowhere is this more evident than in Piedmont, home of Moscato d’Asti. This semi-sparkling, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious wine should be consumed both before and after dinner, and in copious quantities. After all, not only can one afford to indulge in this delicious staple, but they can also do so without serious head trauma the next day. After all an entire bottle of this is equal to drinking about two craft beers.
Ca’ Gialla is one of the best producers of this DOCG region. Peach skin scents, soft, fuzzy, refreshing sweetness, this is an immediate pleaser, even bringing even the toughest of people to sensory overload. Serving recommendations for this wine vary. Always drink it cold, we have been told it makes the perfect wine to consume after a hard day’s work in the vineyard or the garden. Then again, we have also heard of other uses that might be mentioned in a proposed ‘Only Fans’ wine sheet. Whatever the use, Ca’ Gialla’s Moscato makes the perfect light ending to a meal served with a simple fruit-inspired dessert. We love getting fresh Oregon berries or peaches and pouring Moscato over top of them.
Ca’ Gialla is one of the best producers of this DOCG region. Peach skin scents, soft, fuzzy, refreshing sweetness, this is an immediate pleaser, even bringing even the toughest of people to sensory overload. Serving recommendations for this wine vary. Always drink it cold, we have been told it makes the perfect wine to consume after a hard day’s work in the vineyard or the garden. Then again, we have also heard of other uses that might be mentioned in a proposed ‘Only Fans’ wine sheet. Whatever the use, Ca’ Gialla’s Moscato makes the perfect light ending to a meal served with a simple fruit-inspired dessert. We love getting fresh Oregon berries or peaches and pouring Moscato over top of them.