IN THE PRESENCE OF GRACE AND HUMILITY (A SWEET RECONNECTION WITH MARCHESE DI BAROLO)

Today is one of those days I’d forget my own name if it wasn’t branded across my limbic region. Running around working on the perpetual mess that is our inventory tracking, I slipped and forgot good friend/Heidelberg rep Kymber was bringing by the wines of Marchesi di Barolo, a legendary producer that I hadn’t tried in quite some time (I think I was employed at Chateau Pomije that last time; a while ago chums).

Along for the ride were Christine from Wine Wave (Marchesi’s U.S. importer) and Marchesi co-owner Anna Abbona. Fortunately they were able to peruse the shelves while I bee-lined for store 1 from store 2 and once I got to the store, I was greeted by great wine and incredible people.

We ran though an impressive re-introduction of the wines:

Marchesi di Barolo Gavi 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Nice bright notes of green apples and mineral with some tasty undertones of a tropical fruit salad. Finishes clean and dry.

Marchesi di Barolo Dolcetto d’Alba Madonna di Como 2008. Grade=Outstanding. A bit nutty with juicy ripe red and black cherries, red plums and pomegranate. Well-balanced acidity makes this an inviting wine with pasta, pizza and burgers.

Marchesi di Barolo Barbera Monferrato 2007. Grade=Outstanding+. With just a splash of Dolcetto, this impressive medium-bodied value red has aromas of red flowers and freshly-picked red berry fruit, with red currants, Bing cherries and pomegranates. Really nice.

Marchesi di Barolo Barolo DOCG 2004. Grade=Outstanding+. Impressive, full-bodied red with fairly plush tannins and notes of spice box, anise, hazelnut, truffle, black cherries and oak. A great way to introduce yourself to the “wine of Kings.”

Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi 2004. Grade=Amazing. I have to admit being a sucker for anything labeled “Cannubi” and this one draws me in completely. Gorgeous notes of rose petal, smoky oak, tobacco, black currants, anise seed, black truffles, blackberries, dried herbs, and the list goes on and on and on. Sort of a Chinese Box of nuances, the depths of which I wouldn’t mind spending all afternoon unearthing.

Marchesi di Barolo Moscato d’Asti Zagara NV. Grade=Amazing. Fragrant and lusty with beautiful notes of orange blossom, peach puree, apricot marmalade and honeyed pears – just a delicious white wine with a hint of frizzante and a slightly dry tone on the finish.

Talking to Anna and Christine, the element of family is a key ingredient in this winery’s longevity, a concept not lost on me (working now neck deep in a sea of Depenbrock). There is a passion that resonates in Anna’s voice, for her family, her winery, her region and country, one that makes me a continuing believer in Italy’s place amongst the best wine regions on Earth.