2006 Grimaldi Luigino e C. SNC Vigna San Biagio Barolo

Another wine from our "Best of" wine tasting, this one a classic from northern Italy, the 2006 Grimaldi Luigino Vigna San Biagio Barolo.  The Barolo is the classic wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, produced from the Nebbiolo grape variety.  In recent years, a number of purists have been disappointed in the quality of Barolos, given the shift toward more modern winemaking techniques which many fans thought diminished the quality and heritage of these wonderful wines.  Fortunately, it seems that the 2006 vintage has sought to recapture some of the past passion of this wine, and I will admit this particular wine is very interesting.

The 2006 Grimaldi Luigino Vigna San Biagio Barolo is of a more subtle style than other Barolos, so if you prefer more powerful, in your face wines, this one is probably not for you.  The wine is lighter in color, with the classic brownish almondine tint along the edges.  The nose presents a bit of rose, berries, tobacco and leather.  The taste bursts with rich fruit, with prune/plum sweetness balanced by some cherry acidity, while the warm tannins undergird a clean, delicate finish.

For pairings, I think this wine would work well with many of the wonderful dishes of the Piedmont region, and particularly I think this would be perfect with a Fontina cheese risotto, as the acidity of the wine plays off the richness of the cheese.  I would rate the one a solid 8, it's an absolutely wonderful wine, but the price leaves a little to be desired – for $45 you can find many truly special wines.  Cin cin!