Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco (2000) Piemonte


A beautifully perfumed Barbaresco from a venerable Piemontese winemaker. The history of this winemaker borders on the ridonkulous; a few historical highlights: The farmstead and vineyards were purchased by Benedetto Elia in 1796 (Napoleon and Josephine were married); their first Barbaresco was bottled in 1893 (Columbian Exposition in Chicago); they began exporting wine in 1898 (Remember the Maine!). 212 years after its founding, the estate is now run by Secondo Pasquero-Elia, along with his sons Giovanni and Silvano. 2000 was a great year in Piemonte (George Bush was elected President??!!) and the 2000 Sori Paitin, with its elegant ripe tannins, does not disappoint. The wine is 100% Nebbiolo that has a beautiful garnet red color and characteristic orange rim. The wine receives nearly two years of aging; 60% in Slavonian oak casks and 40% in French oak barriques, which give it a wonderful soft, round finish. I enjoyed this wine with Mario Batali's Garganelli al Ragu d'Anatra. (http://www.mariobatali.com/) I used chicken thighs in the recipe because my daughter, due to her beliefs regarding animal cruelty, will not eat anatra.

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