Spotlight

A VISIT WITH LUCA CURRADO

Mondays are usually a slow day around the shop, so we were very excited to have a chance to welcome a very special guest to the shop today, Luca Currado, winemaker extraordinaire from Vietti winery in the Piedmonte region of northern Italy. We have many winemakers from around the world visit us quite regularly, but it’s a rarity to have a chance to taste wines and talk with someone behind such a legendary property. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Vietti, here’s what Antonio Galloni from the Wine Advocate has to say about them from Issue #178 (August 2008):

Vietti is one of the most historic properties in Piedmont. The estate is best known for its top-flight Barolos, yet in recent years I have been equally impressed with the entry-level wines. These are among the finest wines being made anywhere in Italy. The Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco, which is made from Barolo-classified vineyards, in particular, is one of the great values in wine today.

We’ve been champions of Vietti’s wines for several years now, and it’s always great to be able to meet the person behind the label. Given the stature and quality of the wines, it’s incredible how humble and personable Luca came across as we talked with him. The wines, too, are assured and brimming with personality, yet they don’t have to scream or assault your palette to get their point across. It’s incredible to find a winery producing such interesting and consistently excellent wines from an entry level Barbera to a single-vineyard Barolo, especially at such reasonable prices compared to some of their neighbors. If you have yet to try Vietti’s wines, you owe it to yourself to see what you’ve been missing.

November 17, 2008 5:42