Friday Wine Tasting 9/26

September 26: Piedmont

Come join us for a fabulous afternoon of wine tasting at The San Francisco Wine Trading Company! Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for you. Sample a variety of exquisite wines and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your palate and enjoy some delicious wines. See you there!

2023 Val del Prete Bizzarro $36.94

In the 1960's, the grape Arneis was on the verge of extinction in Italy. That is no longer the case as the grape has experienced a resurrection in Roero, Piedmont. Val del Prete translates to Valley of the Priest, named for Abbot Felice de Grèsy being forced to reside here in exile in 1850. 1977, Bartolomeo Roagna acquired the estate and later shifted it toward certified organic and biodynamic viticulture. This is 100% Arneis that experiences a day and a half skin maceration and is fermented in French oak and spends seven months on the lees.

2024 G.M. Burlotto Verduno Pelaverga $32.94

This is such a treat, as this wine is allocated and made in miniscule quantities. G.M. Burlotto was founded by Commendatore Giovanni Batista Burlotto in 1850 in Verduno, Barolo. The title was awarded for his efforts putting Barolo on the international wine map. When Giovanni died in 1927, it was passed to his son Francesco. When Francesco prematurely died, it passed on to his son Ignazio, who struggled in the face of war. At the time, he was the only one vinifying Pelaverga, one of the rare native Piedmontese varieties. Ignazio died in 1986, and the winery was left in the hands of his daughter Marina, who was 17 years old. She and her sons have brought the winery back to prominence, as it is one of the most sought-after Barolo producers. This is 100% Pelaverga destemmed, and gravity fed into a combination of stainless steel and French oak.

2023 Bera Vittorio e Figli Ninet $24.94

The Bera estate is tended by siblings Alessandra and Gianluigi Bera, continuing the legacy of their family vineyards that date back to 1785. They planted a single hectare of Nebbiolo in 2020 and released this wine as the first vintage. Ninet translates to "little boy" in the local dialect, referring to the youthful age of the vines as well as the flavor profile and expression of the wine. The vineyard is certified organic, and they harvest everything by hand. The grapes are destemmed and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in concrete with minimal sulfur added.

2021 Cascina Luli La Rina $27.94

Cascina Luli is an estate located in Monferrato run by Fabrizio Luli. Fabrizio has made organic farming and rediscovery of forgotten Piedmontese grapes his mission. His philosophy lies in making drinkable, light wines that are elegant and fresh. This is 100% of the rare grape Slarina, fermented in cement with indigenous yeasts and then further aged in cement for 6-8 months. At only 11.5% alcohol, Fabrizio describes it as "summery and light with good tannic content. I would say a fun wine".

2022 La Miraja Grignolino d'Asti $26.94

La Miraja is located in Monferrato, Piedmont and was constructed as an armory in the 11th century. In the 1400's, the armory was converted into a cellar. Eugenio Gatti, a seventh-generation viticulturist, has switched the focus to ancient Piedmont varietals Barbera, Grignolino, Freisa and Ruche. He is known for having some of the oldest Ruche vines in the world, but he also puts a great deal of focus on Grignolino. Grignolino was a favorite in the 13th century due to its light and elegant structure. In the 18th century, it often commanded similar price tags to Barolo. Grignolino is rare for having two pips per berry instead of one. This is 100% Grignolino destemmed and fermented in stainless steel. It is aged in cement for several months before release.

2019 Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova $59.94

Elvio Cogno is a well-regarded winery at the forefront of Novello in Barolo in the Ravera subregion. In 1990, Elvio Cogno purchased an 18th century farmhouse surrounded by 11 hectares of vineyards. After renovating the estate, he continued the winemaking traditions of his father and grandfather before him. It is now run by Elvio's daughter, Nadia, who has worked with her father for 25 years. Elvio Cogno has won Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits Magazine for four out of six of the past years. The Cascina Nuovo Barolo is produced from the youngest Nebbiolo vines to offer an accessible style of Barolo. Elvio Cogno follows traditionalist practices as the wine is aged for 24 months in large Slavonian oak and then further in the bottle before release.

Host or Publisher SF Wine Trading Co.