After tasting some great Barolos and Barbarescos at a recent Total Wine “Taste of Italy” event, I was super excited to learn more about Italy’s Piedmont region at this month’s Winettes. This time the group was smaller, which meant less variety, but more opportunity to sip slowly and savor. Here are some of the favorites we tried that night:

2007 Saula Gavi White Label – $14.99 at Total Wine

This wine comes from Gavi, Piedmont’s most popular area for dry white wines. Wines from this region are made primarily from the native Cortese grape. Although Cortese may not be as widely known as Pinot Grigio, the varietal produces a fresh and acidic wine that’s a great pairing for seafood and light summer fare.

The Saula White Label had a fresh, steely aroma with hints of citrus and stone fruits. On the palate, it was bright, clean and dry, with a short, fresh finish. It wasn’t the most exciting or complex white wine I’ve tried, but it was a pretty easy sipper. It was pleasant to drink on its own and would be a great accompaniment to a fun afternoon pool party or gossip session with the girls.

2004 Seghesio Barbera d’Alba Vigneto della Chiesa – $16.99 at Chill Wine Merchants

Fellow Winette, Staci, got a great deal on a lovely Barbera made by Seghesio. Due to a labeling error at the winery, the more expensive barrique-aged wine was sold for the price of their entry-level tank-aged wine. The lucky girl purchased a beautiful, complex wine of dark fruit, chocolate, coffee, and spice for about half of its usual retail price!

Unfortunately, these bottles didn’t last long at Chill, but check back in November for the ’06 vintage (sans discount).

2003 Rocca Felice Barolo – $29.99 at Total Wine

From the moment we poured Swirl Girl Earthy’s selection, we knew we were in for something different. This Barolo was a dark mahogany color in the glass, and almost totally opaque. On the nose, we got strong and seductive aromas of raisin, fig, and walnut, reminiscent of an aged port.

On the palate, this wine took the best of both styles, mixing the lovely dried fruits of a port with the smooth, strong, tannic and dry heart of Barolo. What an interesting and utterly delicious combination!

And just when I thought life couldn’t get any better, someone suggested trying the wine with Sharon’s rich chocolate brownies…

2001 Moccagatta Barbaresco Bric Balin – $49.99 at Total Wine

This big, bad Barbaresco was my contribution to the evening. It was everything one should expect from a quality Piedmont red. This wine had one of those “jump in the glass” aromas that was worth savoring. I got everything from deeply ripe dark fruits like berries and black cherries, to oak, flowers, and nuts (well, maybe the nuts were left over from the previous wine). On the palate, it was a big, full and very dry wine. Even after hours in the decanter, this is not one for the faint-hearted.

The 2001 vintage received a 91 from Wine Spectator: “A red with lots of blackberry and cherry aromas and just a hint of cedar and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with a rich core of ripe fruit and silky tannins. Long finish with sweet fruit.”

Those who live by the ratings should keep an eye out for the ’04. Wine Spectator rated that vintage at 93, claiming it to be the “best Bric Balin ever.”

NV Mondoro Asti – $14.99 at Total Wine

If only fellow Swirl Girl Sweet had been with us to enjoy this Piedmont sparkler! Although it wasn’t my style, many of the Winettes happily went back for seconds.

This Muscat-based wine had a highly aromatic nose of tropical fruit, honey blossom and lychee. The same flavors were apparent on the palate, with a ripe pineapple flavor coming through on the finish. This would be a great accompaniment to Sunday brunch, and a sweet and festive alternative to the traditional New Year’s champagne.

~ Dry (J. Gwen Berry)