The wines are being selected. The pairings are being planned. The stage is set for our September Wilmington Wine Circle.
Before we gather, let’s sharpen our senses with a quick guide to the characteristics that make Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera unique.
Identifying Nebbiolo
Both Barolo and Barbaresco are made from Nebbiolo, a grape famous for combining elegance and power.
Look for aromas and flavors such as:
- Rose petals
- Violet
- Cherry
- Raspberry
- Cranberry
- Dried herbs
- Tea leaves
- Tar
- Truffle
- Leather with age
On the palate, Nebbiolo often surprises people. Despite its pale color, it typically delivers high tannins, high acidity, and remarkable persistence.
Identifying Barbera
Barbera offers a very different experience.
Common characteristics include:
- Black cherry
- Plum
- Blackberry
- Red currant
- Baking spices
- Fresh herbs
Compared with Nebbiolo, Barbera generally displays lower tannins and softer structure while maintaining vibrant acidity.
Pairing Piedmont
These wines were made for food.
Consider serving them alongside:
- Tajarin with butter and sage
- Ravioli del plin
- Mushroom risotto
- Truffle dishes
- Braised meats
- Aged cheeses
The region’s cuisine and wines evolved together over centuries, creating some of the world’s most natural pairings.
The Challenge
Imagine three glasses in front of you.
One contains Barolo. One contains Barbaresco. One contains Barbera.
Which is which?
Will the firmer tannins reveal the Barolo?
Will the elegance point toward Barbaresco?
Will the juicy fruit and bright acidity identify the Barbera?
Join us this September as we explore one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions and put our palates to the test.
September Wine Circle
At our September Wine Circle focused on wines from Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera, we will have the opportunity to explore the King, Queen, and People’s Wine of the Piedmont. Join us on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00-7:30 pm at a Wilmington location TBD.
The first Thursday of each month (well, this month it’s the third), up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.