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% Nebbiolo grapes, this complex, intense red from one of our favourite Italian wine regions offered red cherries, mint, leather, savoury spice, and green herbs on the nose. In the mouth, we had more of the same, as well as white pepper, earth, minerals, and a hint of tomato sauce, especially when it opened up.
The long finish offered more earth and savoury spice notes, rounding out the experience. We poured it with blackened tomato and Italian sausage risotto, and it more than held its own, the acidity in the matching the acidity in the tomatoes. We could see this Barolo pairing beautifully with grilled meats and ripe cheeses.
We look forward to trying it again in a few years after it has more time to mature. Apparently, this red can age up to 20 years according to the Ascheri website (see link below). At $49.95 it offers good value for the quality.
Rating (from 70 to 100): 91/100
Value: 3.5/5
The Bottle Details…
Name: Ascheri Barolo
Vintage: 2012
Producer: Cantine Ascheri Giacomo
Region/Country: Piemonte, Italy
Grape Varietals: Nebbiolo
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Consumed: At home on one of the last days of winter.
Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO.
Cost: $49.95.
Bottle Presentation: One of the nicer labels we have seen. It comes across as classy, elegant, yet modern, with a blue, white, and silver palate.
The Tasting Details…
Appearance: Pale-medium garnet.
Nose: A medium nose comprised of red cherries, mint, leather, savoury spice, and green herbs. The alcohol, although noticeable initially, faded into the background as the wine opened.
Taste: An extra-dry, medium-bodied wine, with high acidity and medium, drying tannins. If offered red cherries, leather, savoury spice, white pepper, earth, and minerals in the mouth, and a hint of tomato sauce.
Finish: A long finish comprised of earth and savoury spice notes.