Monday, November 17, 2008

Valpo or Burg?

This was a wine I bought for our 10AM Drunks Wine Tasting Group. 

Brigaldara, Valpolicella, 2006. $15.99 at Woodland Hills Wine Co

I asked the staff, "is it typical?" because for the tasting group you should bring a wine not as a stumper, but as representative and typical of a region. 

I liked it, but I would not say this is typical Valpo which should have some elements of chocolate, or at least that's what I've read! the truth is I haven't had that much Valpo except the big guns like Dal Forno and those are a whole 'nother animal. 

It had moderate to high acidity, fresh red berry fruit and soft tannins. All the components were well integrated, except that the tannins were maybe a little green giving the wine a little bit of an edgy finish. BUT it wasn't unpleasant, just a little rustic. And for the price, it's pretty darn good. 

Eduardo called it 2004 Burgundy. The color was so light and translucent. If I were blind tasting it I think I would have called it a Grenache / Syrahblend because of the spiciness. I never would have guessed Valpolicella, but then again, who would??

Also, looks like the 2004 is available through Jill at Domaine 547 for $14.99. 

Go crazy my friends and try both vintages next to each other!!!!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

For what it's worth, Brigaldara prides himself on his tipicità. He also likes to say that a bottle of Valpolicella ripasso is a bottle of Amarone wasted

Amy said...

Ah!! ok, well that helps!! I mean, I really ahve no idea what is typical in Valpolicella - I expected more ripasso I guess and that's clearly not tipicita...

Thanks Polly

Anonymous said...

I remember the days when this was a functioning blog.

Amy said...

I'm tired!I'm running the household all alone!!! What do you people want from me????

Ok, ok, I will do better...

Anonymous said...

The 06 now gracing the shelves of the Cheese Store of Silver Lake @ $15.99 same as Woodland Hills.