Terrific evening at Bacco in Richmond last night, as we explored the wonderful diversity of Barolo and other wines from around Piedmont.
Many people had not heard of white grapes Favorita, Timorasso and Arneis, and these proved to be absolute revelations, and a refreshing alternative to the oceans of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio out there.
The line-up of Barolos read like a huge Who’s Who of stellar producers. We tasted through a range of the stunning 2010 vintage, with wines from Aldo Vajra, Franco Massolino, Luigi Baudana and culminating with the legendary Colonnello from Aldo Conterno. The tasting demonstrated the diversity of soil type and resulting structure in the wines that created a fascinating range of approachability in the wines.
One particular wine stood out. The Barbera d’Alba 2011 Conca Tre Pile from Conterno, which was a majestic example of top quality Barbera from grapes grown on the prestigious Bussia hill. This generated lots of “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” and comments from guests such as “incredible depth and richness”, “phenomenal length yet very approachable”.
As you would expect, we were drinking many of the wines rather young, and most definitely the big reds cried out for food. Bacco did us proud with a first course of poached egg cheese fondu with truffle shavings, and beef cheeks with mashed potatoes for main.
I’ve noted specific food matching recommendations alongside every wine on the Shop. Have sent Fliss out in search of a hare, am considering this recipe for ballotine of chicken and will be slow roasting some lamb ready for 2065.
Luckily for me, I get to do it all again tonight. Couple of places available if anyone is interested….
