The Italian Connection

ITALY'S art, music and fashion have always attracted global attention and its wines continue to attract plenty of interest. This is particularly the case at the quality end of production. Italy's sheer diversity of wine styles means that it should come as no surprise that of the 30 wines shortlisted in this competition, a solid contingent would be Italian, including four from Piedmont.

The sense of disillusionment among lovers of expensive top-end Bordeaux meant their gaze has been diverted to Burgundy, inevitably driving its price higher. Suddenly, the spotlight seems to have turned to Piedmont in North West Italy and, above all, the focus is on Barolo. In this manner, it seems only fitting that one of the first wines to be selected as a finalist should be a Barolo - Vietti Barolo DOCG Castiglione 2010.

The Barolo zone, which can be divided into 11 different sub-zones, covers 1,911ha of vineyards of the red grape variety Nebbiolo. Distinguished as Italy's most revered grape variety, Nebbiolo is capable of making some of the most ethereal wines in Italy. Just as Pinot Noir in Burgundy is prized for its ability to express a real sense of place, Nebbiolo is valued in the Piedmonte for that same ability. Barolo can be one of the most challenging wines to taste in its youth because of the high level of firm, assertive and often astringent tannins that coat the mouth. Nonetheless, with prudent cellaring complex layers of perfume, truffles, spice, tobacco and leather will be displayed on the nose while the flavours can be equally intricate as power and elegance combine.