Tastings of the best Piedmont wines
A short guide to wine’s tasting
The world of enology is very vast. On the market there are many products with different and unique characteristics; wine tasting lets us evaluate the organoleptic profile of the wine, analyzing the qualities and defects of each wine.
In this article, we will cover the tasting of the best Piedmont wines, which are among the most appreciated and awarded wines of the world.
- How to taste the wine
- Wine tasting in our winery
- Nebbiolo tasting
- Barolo tasting
- Barbaresco tasting
- Wine Club
How to taste the wine
Tasting is a sensory journey whose purpose is to recognize both the qualities and defects of wine, identifying the unique characteristics of the product; anyone can undertake this path, which is the best way to appreciate all the peculiarities and nuances of wine.
It is important to pay attention to some basic notions.
Firstly, we should always start with the lightest wine and go in crescendo with intensity. Secondly, we should taste first the whites, then the reds, and finally the sweet wines. Thirdly, we should choose a suitable wine glass and not rinse it during the tasting, but change it. Finally, we should equip ourselves with a sheet of paper and a pen to write down all the sensations perceived during the wine journey.
The tasting journey begins with the observation of the wine by bringing the glass to eye level and evaluating the transparency, clarity, and eventual effervescence. Then we move on to analyze the intensity, shades, and tone of the color. Finally, by rotating the glass, we notice the formation of particular liquid rings on the glass, which are known as “wine legs” or “tears of wines”; they become more accentuated in the case of wines rich in alcohol.
The second point of the itinerary concerns the sense of smell: approaching the glass to the nose and inhaling with closed eyes, we perceive a series of particular aromas that vary from one wine to another.
The aromas are classified into fruity, floral, ethereal, spicy, aromatic, fragrant or herbaceous. After identifying a good number of notes, it is good to rotate the glass, in such a way as to allow the different aromas to release their full potential. If the wine is aged, we refer to the wine scent as “bouquet”.
Lastly, we explore the taste. When tasting wine, the quantity to be sipped in the mouth is very small; the tasting is divided into the analysis of the flavor in three different moments: the initial taste, the intermediate taste, and the final taste left on the palate after swallowing.
On the palate, we can confirm the notes perceived on the nose. Additionally, we study the freshness, structure, sweetness or dryness, minerality, sapidity, and tannins, and particular nuances of the wines.
Wine Tasting in our winery
Cantine Povero has been growing vines with extreme dedication to the land for 200 years. We are a family business that knows how to look at the future while retaining the wisdom and memory of tradition.
We embrace innovations through sustainable choices such as organic farming and the preservation of biodiversity.
The prosperity of the territory between Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero has allowed the production of excellent wines with unique peculiarities, perfect even for the most demanding palates.The company offers the opportunity to visit the cellar located on the slopes underneath the medieval castle of Cisterna d’Asti.
Among oak barrels and ancient tools, you can taste our unique wines. The tasting itineraries, upon reservation, are combined with typical local products to be tasted.
Nebbiolo tasting
You can discover different expressions of Nebbiolo in Piedmont. The most famous wines are Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero and Nebbiolo d’Alba; other worth-mentioning Nebbiolo-based wines are Ghemme and Gattinara.
Terroir is crucial for wines made of Nebbiolo; outside Piedmont and Lombardy Nebbiolo does not find the ideal conditions to grow at its best. When you taste Nebbiolo-based wines, you can perceive this attachment to terroir.
Generally, wines produced with Nebbiolo are never ready when young, but you need more time to fully mature their characteristics. Nebbiolo-based wines are distinguished mainly by their intense color and bouquet, medium-bodied structure, high tannins perceived on the palate.
Cantine Povero offers various wines made of Nebbiolo, among which we find Barolo Priore DOCG, Tumlin Roero DOCG and Batù Barbaresco DOCG.
Barolo tasting
Barolo, made of 100% Nebbiolo grapes.
You should not drink Barolo young.
This noble wine, known for its full-bodied structure, should remain in the cellar for at least ten years. The long evolution improves its magnificient characteristics, enhancing all its particular aromas.
When you taste Barolo, you should open the bottle at least an hour before tasting it, so that the wine has time to decant and open up. It would be even better to pour the wine in a decanter. To fully savor its peculiarities, you should use a large glass, which allows a greater diffusion of the bouquet.
Barolo should be tasted at a temperature of 18-20°.
The color is an intense garnet red with warm orange nuances, which intensify with the passing of the years; you can notice immediately its high consistency. Fruity and floral notes appear on the nose, in particular hints of wild strawberries, raspberries, violet, and rose. You can also distinguish spicy notes of chocolate, black pepper, and nutmeg. The characteristic that stands out the most remains its link with the terroir. Notes of hazelnuts, truffles, and herbs emerge, together with within balsamic notes of licorice and tobacco. On the palate, it is tannic and structured, with light spicy notes.
A note of merit goes to the Barolo Priore DOCG, a prestigious wine from the Langhe. Aged at least 38 months, it has an intense garnet red color with an intense bouquet with notes of violets, dried roses, cinnamon, and goudron. The palate is warm and full. You should pair this wine with dishes with an intense flavor such as game, truffles, or blue cheeses.
Barbaresco tasting
Barbaresco is one of the most well-known Piedmont wines together with Barolo. Made of 100% Nebbiolo grapes, it is recognized for its important structure and its mature red color. It has persistent notes both to the nose and to the taste, which are consistent with its body.
For the tasting, as we have already said for Barolo, it is always better to open the bottle of Barbaresco at least an hour before and use a decanter and a large glass. The color is an intense garnet red with orange reflections and varies based on its degree of ripeness. The bouquet is extremely complex, with floral and fruity notes but also herbaceous hints of roots and leaves. Finally, the tannic charge is felt instantly on the palate, giving warmth and structure.
Batù Barbaresco DOCG is an excellent wine that enhances the qualities of its category. Aged for at least 26 months, it has garnet reflections and an intense and complex bouquet. Firstly, notes of raspberry and cherry stand out, then cinnamon, pimento, and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied and balanced. You should pair this wine with spicy cheeses, mushrooms, and meats with an intense flavor.
Wine Club
Cantine Povero has created a group of wine enthusiasts, who can easily register on the specific website page.
By joining this circle of wine geeks, you can share knowledge, passion, and friendship. Moreover, you get access to some privileges, such as special prices on wines, free tasting and tours, and preview news.
Campagna finanziata ai sensi del reg. UE n. 1308/2013