Page 52 - Galveston Monthly March 2019

cuisiNe | wiNE

Apennines to the south. There is vintage variation savory, and spicy flavors. Some vineyard areas create intensely tannic
from weather related issues due to the region’s wines that may take a decade or more of aging to resolve while some
geography. areas produce more approachable Nebbiolo wines that can be drank
The Langhe hills, which hold the regions premium sooner.
Nebbiolo vineyards for Barolo and Barbaresco Wines with the Barolo designation are construed as the highest
production, are prone to both hail and heavy rain. expression of Nebbiolo, the true king of Piemonte, while Barbaresco
The area is also frequently covered in a damp fog wines are often referred to as the queen. in recent years, the differences
that can lead to rot. This misty cover is said to have between the two seem more negligible.
influenced the name of the Nebbiolo grape, which is Nebbiolo with Langhe on the label is often wine the producers have
derived from the italian word nebbia, which means declassified from these two premium areas though the grapes may also
fog. be sourced from the greater area as well. Langhe Nebbiolos are typically
The hillsides are covered in vines with the different the most affordable from the region and often the easiest to drink when
exposures and elevations matched to the grape young.
varieties that perform best to each condition. in the The wines from Piemonte are diverse and unique. There is a wine to
northern area surrounding the town of Asti, the red match with every dish and every occasion. from the cool, refreshing
grape Barbera reigns supreme with Moscato, which whites and the everyday reds which can be served slightly chilled on hot
is used for the region’s famed spumante or sparkling days and served with lighter dishes to the serious king of wines which can
wines, also of great importance. stand up to the richest braised beef or game on cold spring nights, there
South of there is Roero, which is most known for is no better time than now to enjoy the bounty that Piemonte offers. GM
white wines made from the Arneis grape, Barolo, and
Barbaresco - both of which famous for Nebbiolo, and
Gavi to the east where the Cortese grape is used for
refreshing white wines.
in all, there are over fifty DOC or DOCG appellations
in Piemonte controlling the diverse wines and styles
that are produced.
Barbera is the most heavily planted red grape in
the region. it has naturally high acidity with low to
moderate tannins and a bright red fruit character. it BRUNO GIACOSA DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2017
creates a rich and silky food-friendly wine. Ripe dark berries with violet aromas and a bit
Barbera d’Asti is known to be fresh, fragrant, and of chocolate in the soft easy finish make this
vibrant, while Barbera d’Alba from the neighboring a fantastic anytime wine, perfect with pizza
town tends to be a bit richer and fleshier. if Superiore or hamburger.
is on the label, the wines have undergone some oak $23.99, available at both locations
aging and may seem more austere.
There is also a Nizza designation for Barbera that maRcaRInI cIaBot camERano
can only be produced in eighteen communes within BARBERA D’ALBA 2013
the Asti growing area; these wines tend to be both Black cherry, sage and a licorice finish make
bigger and more serious. this refreshing red a winner for any meal
Dolcetto is another local red grape, which is used while the price keeps it wallet friendly.
to make everyday drinking wines. The name means $16.99, available at both locations
“little sweet one” but the wines are dry with soft
tannins, lower acidity, and a jammy black fruit TRIFULA PIEMONTE BIANCO 2015
essence. The number of acres under Dolcetto vines This light, fresh white wine is a blend of 70%
has been declining in recent years due to the greater Cortese and 30% Chardonnay. it has fruity
interest in Nebbiolo. aromas and flavors of peach and apple with
Nebbiolo is the undisputed king of the Piedmontese a delicate floral note, dry and easy drinking,
reds. it is difficult to grow as it flowers early and this wine pairs well with salad, seafood, and
ripens late making it vulnerable to both frost and patio life.
heavy rain. The grape skins are thick, which create $10.99, available at Pirates Beach location
the grippy tannins for which the wines are best
known and lightly colored, which creates the wine’s
recognizable sheer garnet hue, which often has an
orangish tone.
The signature of a premium Nebbiolo wine is Courtesy images
complex aromas ranging through dried red fruit,
roses, truffles, leather and tar, and a mix of sweet,

52 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | MARCH 2019