Now it’s getting dark a little earlier and it’s a bit chilly overnight, it’s time belatedly to unravel my thoughts and notes on tastings I attended during the summer. Not the easiest task as what seemed perfectly clear at the time and only needed a one word description or symbol is now completely meaningless. I need a more disciplined approach but hey ho this is pleasure not work, heaven forbid.
July
La Ganghija, which incidentally means tendril in Piemontese, symbolising something small but powerful, is run by Enzo Rapalino. Based in Treiso the business of making wine only began in 2004: previously the grapes were sold. Latest offerings include:
Chardonnay 2010 13° pineapple/melon nose with good acidity/minerality. Lingering taste. Made from 25 year old vines
Dolcetto 2010 – fruity, light, straightforward
Barbera 2009 – 15% 60 year old vines East facing but with lots of afternoon sun. I year in barrique, 1/3 new. Dark bitter cherries, hint of coffee on the nose, good length and acidity
Nebbiolo 2009 – 14.5% 14 year old vines in Madonna di Como, Alba. Traditional with 1 year in botte grande. Good soft tannins, violets and cherries
Barbaresco 2008 – Cru Giacosa and Bricco di Treiso, 2 years in botte grande. Powerful, good structure, elegant and fruity, licquorice
Meliss 2007 – harvested late November/early December. Long cold fermentation that restarts in Spring as cantina warms. Perfect dessert wine, golden, honey
Podere Ruggeri Corsini was founded in 1995 by Loredana Addari and Nicola Argamante, who having graduated in agriculture specialising in viticulture and oenology, said goodbye to City life and bought this small vineyard in Monforte d’Alba. They now also work as consultants with other producers. Super tasting room.
Langhe Bianco 2010 – Crisp, dry, straightforward
Barbera d’Alba 2009 – 15 year old vines. Fresh and fruity
Barbera, Amujan 2009 – 60 year old vines. Aged for 18 months in a mixture of new and 1 & 2 year old french oak. Only 3 weeks in bottle when we tasted it but destined for a long life. Smooth plummy spicy fruit, excellent balance and length. 14.5% but you wouldn’t think so.
Langhe Rosso Argamakow 2008/9 – the reason we visited after enjoying a bottle in Le Case della Saracca. Predominantly Pinot Noir and a refreshing change from more muscular Barbera, Nebbiolo. Cooler, longer maceration. Beautiful soft tannins. Preferred the 2009 that wasn’t labelled which reminds me I must go back and buy some!
Langhe Nebbiolo 2009 – 18 months in Slavonian Oak. Typically light in colour with good soft tannins. Hints of oranges and amaretto
Barolo Corsini 2007 – Like lots of the 2007’s very drinkable now but no rush. Very good balance, excellent length. Jammy, floral rose nose. Lots of ripe red fruits on the palate.
Barolo San Pietro 2007 – Aged for a couple of years in Slavonian botte grande then 12 months in bottle. Fairly light and drinkable now but evident tannins will give it life.