Piedmont Calling

Whilst Corked and Screwtop were tasting Barolo and Nebbiolo in situ, surrounded by the warm terracota welcome of aged Piedmont architecture, we decided to hold our own taste of Italia, surrounded the wet wooden shingles of Pacific North West.
First off, a fresh and dry Prosecco from Colli Tevigiani (North west Italy rather than the North East, admittedly) to accompany some fine antipasti. Next an Italian red I've not drunk before, a Ragitello from Mario Norante. It describes itself as a simple Biferno Rosso 2002 ( excellent value costing around twenty dollars from a Vancouver Independent wine shop). In fact it stood up better than the Barbera D'Alba Superiore from 2003 which didn't have the depth or smoothness that you like for and usually recieve. Both accompanied a Parmigiana made in honour of a vegetarian guest. In reserve for the cheese I held back a lovely bottle of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2000 from Frescobaldi, being prepared to step south and embrace the Tuscan Sangiovese. With some cave aged Pecorino, a mature Talegio and a fine Torta di Mascarpone e Gorgonzola the Brunello delivered. Although still young it is drinking very well now, supple and complex, deep ruby in colour and layered in taste.

Under Tawney's influence (always a good thing) I was persuaded to abandon the Italian theme at the meal's conclusion and opened a fine Banyuls, rather like a light Tawney port, from the south of France. I believe Tawney is due to post a report on a number of southern French digestifs from Rasteau to Rivesaltes so I leave the detail to her. Save to say that, despite being half way round the world from the Southern Mediterranean, by the end of the night we were more than amply there in spirit.