Some people might say it’s like comparing apples and oranges, but I wanted to do it anyway. At my house in Tuscany, I invited to dinner the popular Brunello di Montalcino producer Enrico Viglierchio of Castello Banfi, and Pio Boffa of Barolo’s Pio Cesare. We tasted their 1997s, including the Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura Riserva and the Pio Cesare Barolo.
As you know, 1997 is a legendary vintage for both regions. In fact, it is the vintage that changed Italian winemaking forever when more and more producers realized that reducing yields and taking care in the cellars delivered fantastic wines. I believe that the 1997 Brunellos and Barolos are only now coming into their own. And they have more in common than you think. Enrico and Pio agreed over dinner. Check it out.
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