Elvio Cogno Barbera d'Alba Pre-Phylloxera DOC 2012

Date of Tasting: 31 October 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Barbera d'Alba

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barbera d'Alba DOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.elviocogno.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: AG - 90/100, WS - 91/100, JS - 93/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Dark red

Aroma: Ripe cherry and violets along with floral bouquet.

Palate: Full and rich with chewy texture on the finish. Nicely balance acidity. Notes of cherry, plum, and spices. Very mild touch of oak and earthiness.

In general, barbera is not my style of wine. This Elvio Cogno Barbera d'Alba Pre-Phylloxera 2012 from 120 years old vineyard hit me to a wake impressively. Valter Fissore crafted this barbera out beautifully. It is not the kind of bright acidic touch but well balanced and finesse. Yet there is power incorporated as well. Very limited amount is produced each year. If you see one, get your hand on to experience. Looking forward to try the new vintage in this near future. Enjoy this with rich red meat now and even with some bottle ageing.

Proprieta Sperino Uvaggio 2010

Date of Tasting: 19 June 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 70% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina, 15% Croatina

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Coste della Sesia DOC

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,000

Web: http://www.proprietasperino.it/
Chubby Score: 95/100
Value for money: 10/10
Professional Rating: AG - 94/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: bright garnet

Aroma: rose petal, flowers, spices, plums, red berries, and vanilla

Palate: pretty smooth at this youth, medium-heavy bodied, and sweet tannins. fruity and structured that last harmoniously long.

What a gorgeous creation by Paolo de Marchi and his son Luca. The beautiful aroma jumped straight out of the glass. It is irresistible. On the palate, it is also wonderfully structured. It contains both elegance and power. The blend shows so much of complexity. I just want to sip this all night long. Just stock it up.

Zuani Vigne Collio Bianco DOC 2012

Date of Tasting: 13 November 2013

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: blend of Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Appellation: Collio Goriziano DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB900 - 1,200

Web: http://www.zuanivini.it/
Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 7/10
Professional Rating: n.a.

Appearance: bright yellow straw

Aroma: fruity and rich complex aroma

Palate: ripe citrus fruits and peach with herbal notes, shy floral tone, fresh acidity and mineral to balance, medium on the body and length

Zuani Vigne Collio Bianco 2012 is such an interesting white wine that can be paired well with either pasta or pizza. I had come across this wine a few times and pretty much like it. The soft touch and lingering fruits seem to play well with packed fruit flavour. Each of the components plays its role wonderfully: singing and harmonious. It is pretty nice at this stage should live easily another 5 years or so.