Long Live the King and Queen! If you were to imagine what “Wine Heaven” would look like, that image would resemble Italy's region of Piedmont. Looping hills peaking atop Italian fog, covered in vineyards. I’ll take a one-way ticket to Piedmont, please. Nebbiolo thrives in this cinematic landscape, producing some of Italy’s best. I believe Barolo is the King of Piedmont, and Barbaresco is the Queen.

Barbaresco is typically a bit brighter and lush, whereas Barolo usually carries richer, denser characteristics resulting in a fuller mouth feel. Both are exciting wines in youth because of the high acidity that almost always finishes with mouth-gripping tannins. Allow some time for these to age as they develop beautifully. As they mature, you will experience delightful notes of candied cherry and dried fig, along with smooth and polished tannins.