Piedmont (Piemonte)

This is a sparkling wine made in the traditional method from 100% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) grapes.  Light golden in color, clear and bright with a nice mousse of many tiny bubbles.  The nose is concentrated (and lovely) with almonds, Vernor's Soda and slight Brioche.  Medium to full bodied.  Well balanced.  On the palate, this is quite tasty.  Dry.  Good acidity.  Flavors of ginger with some almond.  Good finish.  Overall, this is a lovely sparkling wine that is nice on its own but better with food.  Drink over the next seven to ten years.  

This is mature and pretty much at peak right now.  Garnet in color with the slightest browning at the rim.  Mostly clear and bright.  The nose is nice with  cherries, slight dried cherries, slight asphalt and dust.  WIth air a bit of dried roses come out.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, this has some depth and complexity.  Good acidity.  Flavors of cherries, dried cherries and a bit of dried forest floor.  Long finish.  This is drinking well but really needs food.  It went well with a Truffle Pasta dish.  Drink over the next few years.  

This is 100% Nebbiolo from the commune of Serralunga d'Alba of Barolo.  Bright ruby/burgundy in color with a bit or orange on the rim, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is very nice with cherries, tea, slight tar and wild thyme.  Medium bodied.  Great energy and balance.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, this has  some depth.  Flavors of cherries, black cherries, slight tea and char.  Long finish.  This drinks well on its own but better with food.  It would work very well with pasta in a cream and mushroom sauce.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.