Italian approach to en primeur tasting praised
The Bordelais could take some pointers from the Italians' professional approach to en primeur events, according to wine writer Jochen Erler.
Mr Erler recently attended the annual Nebbiolo Prima wine tasting event in Alba, where he sampled a variety of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero wines, the Drinks Business reports.
Wines tasted at the Nebbiolo Prima are already bottled, in contrast to Bordeaux's en primeur regime where they are drawn from barrels, meaning they "openly show their strength or weakness", the writer believes.
"Unlike at the en primeur tastings in France, there are detailed lists of the wines – about 100 per session – stating the name of the producer, their vintage year, and where possible their brand name and vineyard site," he added.
As for the Barolos and Barbarescos themselves, Mr Erler noted that there were very few that disappointed.
In a Guardian piece in April, Victoria Moore advised that Barolo is like Burgundy - "you need to spend money or don't bother".