A brisk, windy day in Chicago suddenly became warm and comfortable as fortunate members of the trade and press swirled and sipped a multitude of award winning Italian wines at the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri World Tour 2016 held at Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft. Each year, winners of the coveted Tre Bicchieri (meaning “three glasses”) award are compiled into The Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia Wine Guide, the “foremost guide on Italian wines”. With over thirty annual events throughout the world, Gambero Rosso has become an important brand and its Wine Guide, authoritative.
Prior to the trade tasting, I was invited to the Master Class, where I was poured a generous sampling of wines receiving special awards. I found each of the wines distinctive, truly reflecting the nuances of each region’s culture. Nero d’Avola from sun kissed Sicily, Barbera and Barolo from the Piedmont, and Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico from the hills of Tuscany may be those you already appreciate; I tasted my share during the trade tasting. But there are many more wines that deserve attention and Tre Bicchieri was just the place to explore! Italian wine can be complicated; thousands of grape varieties are grown in the country. Frankly, though, that is one of the reasons I never tire of revisiting an old favorite or discovering many that are new.
Following are notes of my five top picks during the Master Class, those that I look forward to pouring again in my glass…
Best Value for the Money: From Campania, this lovely, approachable white wine, Falanghina del Sannio Svelato 2014 from Terre Stregate, was smooth with broad, graceful tastes. Consider this an every day wine…
Red of the Year: The first tasting note I wrote in my journal was “Wow”! From Sicily, the Etna Rosso V. Barbagalli 2012 from Pietradolce presented a burst of cherries and smoke on the nose. Elegant and earthy, “less is more” describes this well balanced wine with firm tannins and sophisticated finish.
Up and Coming Winery: Showing deep ruby red in the glass with aromas of black cherries and blackberries, I loved the Bolgheri Rosso Superiore Atis 2012 from Guado al Melo with its rich red fruit and notes of tomatoes on the palate. There was no Sangiovese in the wine…Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc won the prize.
Winery of the Year: Ahhhh, Amarone! From Allegrini, aromas of deep red fruit, blackberries, and cherries burst from my glass of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011. Intense tastes of raisins, currants, tobacco, and generous offerings of ripe fruit were braided with just the right amount of acidity and soft tannins. Rich, luscious, and fruity…just delicious.
Whoever said that they know everything about wine, simply doesn’t know much at all. The best (and most enjoyable) way to learn about my favorite beverage is to taste it! Following are more of my favorites that you may want to purchase at your local wine shop. And, as always, if you are unable to find one of the wines I’ve mentioned, ask for another that is similar in style.
On that blustery day, I found many delicious, new favorites that transported me to the unique wine regions of Italy. Cheers to discovering Italian wine! ~ Cindy
