I guess they’ve nevertheless toned down their oak aging regime. I suppose in the past they’ve either used barriques exclusively for Barolo Serralunga or then they’ve just reduced the amount of new oak, because the more recent vintages of Serralunga have felt less oaky than those from the 00’s.
Yes, that much I understood. That is fully traditional, aged 100% in larger botti casks. Me and John were just discussing on those wines that see smaller-format casks.
$40-$60 bottles are considered “value” wines from Italy? Wish I had your guy’s budgets.
These have been my ‘go-tos’ for value wines from Italy. All usually under $20 a bottle.
Morellino di Scansano (Much better value than Rosso di Montalcino)
Refosco
Teroldego
Lagrein
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (especially the spoofy old vine ones)
Rosso Piceno (Sangiovese/Montepulciano blend from Marches)
Aglianico (best grape in Southern Italy - deep, full bodied wines)
And of course, a million different whites from literally every region in Italy -
Just dropping into this thread to give a big +1 to Tiberio. Another bottle of the 2018 Tiberio Pecorino last night. A compelling wine for $20. Not quite the Trebbiano level of interest, but I’d drink it any day.
Assuming you include Sicily as part of Italy, for $10-20, I liked the wines of Alcesti. Alcesti — Siema Brands Not terribly complex wines, but well made and easy to drink.
I feel like I post this in every value thread (maybe I should start getting commissions), but Inama Soave for $12 is one of the best Italian daily drinkers and our house white: Inama Vin Soave Classico 2019 :: Italian White
have to get on the Tiberio train myself - looks great and excellent QPR.
Two from Chianti that I’d include are Volpaia CC (really good year to year) and also Rodano CC (have only had 2016 but was very good). Both are under $20, true to form and varietal but also plenty of fruit to be both crowd pleasers and versatile.
Would agree at looking Dolcetto, Barbera and other native red wines, but don’t forget white varieties either. Recently had a Verdiso and Manzoni Bianco from Gregoletto that both were a joy to drink. Perhaps not as serious as value Chianti, Rosso or Nebbiolo, but I find many Italian white wines to be uniquely charming and often very affordable. If you’re looking to know more about Italy, there’s so much to explore beyond Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.