Wine Review – 2019 Rocche Dei Manzoni La Matinera

This 2019 La Matinera Dolcetto d’Alba shined as a sipping wine, and it offered plentiful notes, including basil (you read that right)… Name: La Matinera Vintage: 2019 Producer: Rocche Dei Manzoni Region/Country: Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Dolcetto d’Alba Alcohol Level: 12.5% Consumed: At home Recommended By: The Charlie’s Burger Wine Program team Cost: … Read more

Wine Review – 2017 Maraia Barbera Del Monferrato

A fantastic Barbera, showcasing vibrant red fruit and great acidity. As a bonus, this food-friendly wine comes at a great price point… Name: Maraia Vintage: 2017 Producer: Marchesi di Barolo Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Barbera Alcohol Level: 14% Consumed: At home Recommended By: Purchased at the local liquor board store, the LCBO. Cost: $19.95 … Read more

Wine Review – 2015 Marchesi di Barolo Peiragal Barbera d’Alba

This outstanding Barbera d’Alba had us at the cork… Everything about this Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont, Italy, exuded class, starting with the patterned cork, which gave off an alluring aroma of pipe tobacco. Balanced, complex, and vivacious, this red wine offered everything you could want in a Barbera. Vibrant red fruit, most notably cherries and … Read more

Wine Review – 2014 Batasiolo Barolo

A decent Barolo… We were excited to try this 2014 Batasiolo Barolo, a wine we previously reviewed on our site, albeit from 2012. To be honest, compared to the 2012 offering, the 2014 vintage came up a little short, especially due to the prominence of alcohol in both the nose and mouth, as well as … Read more

Wine Review – 2012 Ascheri Barolo

An outstanding Barolo from Ascheri… Although we don’t typically jump at the appearance of a wine bottle, the classy, elegant, and, at the same time, modern label caught our eye, distinguishing it from the other vini piemontesi on the shelf. In many ways, the presentation reflected the excellent quality of the wine. Made from 100% … Read more

Wine Review – Poderi Colla Dardi Le Rose Bussia Barolo 2011

A bright, balanced, and enticing Barolo from Poderi Colla in Piedmont, Italy… This Dardi Le Rose Bussia Barolo from Poderi Colla in Piedmont, Italy offered an enticing mix of balance, complexity, and structure. Red cherries, savoury spices, uncooked red meat, and tomato sauce in nose combined with tart, red cherries, white pepper, savoury spice, and … Read more

Wine Review – 2012 Batasiolo Barolo

A big, bold Barolo we would definitely drink again… Name: Barolo Vintage: 2012 Producer: Batasiolo Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Nebbiolo Consumed: At La Cucina restaurant in North Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list Cost: $72 CAD (although we found it for $29.95 CAD at the LCBO) Bottle Presentation: A simple, … Read more

Wine Review – Matto Barolo

Pleasantly surprised by this lighter Italian red… Name: Matto Barolo Vintage: 2011 Producer: Matto Wines Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Nebbiolo Consumed: At Vittoria Trattoria Restaurant Recommended By: Chosen from the wine list Cost: $75 Bottle Presentation: Modern and distinct. Part of the label reminded us of an inkblot. Appearance: Light garnet, which is surprising … Read more