While working in Seattle a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Nicola Argamante, one of the owners of Podere Ruggeri Corsini. He charmed me as we waited in a supermarket for our respective appointments with the wine buyer. I could see the passion he had for the Langhe, for Nebbiolo, and simply for wine. I love that he described his style of Barolo, not as “modern”, nor as “traditional”. He said his wine was somewhere in the middle, like all good, solid, balanced things in life.
Upon tasting this lovely little wine I knew I was going to love everything about this winery. There is a poetry within a bottle of a Piemontese field blend like this one. The Podere Ruggeri Corsini Matot contains Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto- the perfect harmony of all that is pure and good in the world. Backbone from Nebbiolo, a striking acidity from the Dolcetto, and a little bit of the warm and fuzzies thanks to the Barbera in the blend. I want to curl up on the sofa with this wine and dream away the evening.
This Barolo, the “San Pietro” bottling, was another stunning example of Piemontese magic. A nose shining bright with violets, stony wet earth and black plum. On the palate it was clear there is not a lot of oak-interference. This is pure Nebbiolo, piercing, lovely and singing with youth. Tart red cherries, lovely grippy little tannins running along the sides of your tongue, and a finish that lingers for days. This is the stuff of dreams. Nebbiolo dreams.