Barolo - 'Italy's masterpiece'
Barolos are the drink of choice for one US wine writer, who describes the nebbiolo, the only grape used in the Italian wine, as "Italy's genetic masterpiece".
Writing in Illinois-based newspaper the North West Herald, owner of the 1776 restaurant Andy Andresky said that a world-class Barolo will outlive its owner, having a bottle life expectancy of between 40 and 70 years.
Describing Barolo as the ultimate pasta wine and the kindred soul of the pinot noir of Burgundy, the expert chose the creations of Bruno Giacosa, Angelo Gaja and Paolo Scavino as his favourite tipples.
"Mature nebbiolos are full of mineral and animal smells, as well as scents of saddle leather, tobacco, flowers and fruits – dried raisins to succulent black plums," commented Mr Andresky.
His comments come shortly after the news that Alfredo Currado, an eminent producer of Barolo at the Vietti estate, has died at the age of 78.