A Trickster's Barolo Tasting

This is how you fall head over heels - in awe, captivated. Like a fool daring to take the first step, unaware of the grand journey ahead, I have just the right amount of foolish wisdom to say yes to nearly any proposal from certain friends. And some combinations are too tempting to resist - just listen! Barolo and Pantagruel! It's like the union of Psyche and Eros, whose passion brought forth Voluptas. As Mr Yevgen aptly noted - this was a tasting where the wine spoke more than we did (and I'm hardly one to stay quiet). It was an experience that struck the soul - a rare, lasting impression which made me want to keep finding marvels in the world. And now, as I finally understand why some adore Nebbiolo so much, I am doomed to join their endless hunt. Wines like these make you fall deeply, wonderfully in love with their beauty.

Poetry aside, I didn't quite grasp Mr Vasyl's plan at first. It all began with a casual invitation to drink Barolo in a simple format: each person brings a bottle. The idea was to keep it a small gathering but with quality wines. The group sounded intriguing - if not all die-hard fans, then certainly serious admirers of the grape and the region. Finding the right bottle wasn't easy, but I remembered I had a Monvigliero 2017. I had hoped to hold onto it a bit longer, but with few alternatives and Vasyl's clear desire to taste it, I gave in, pulled it from hiding, and kept it a secret.

Two days before the tasting, Vasyl sends over an article, and suddenly I'm set ablaze with the desire to try Barolo Ester Canale Rosso Vigna Rionda - or, honestly, any Vigna Rionda. Naturally, I dream of finding a 1989 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Riserva Collina Rionda, but that's no easy feat. But who would have guessed that Vasyl was planning to bring Ester Canale Rosso! He even nudged Julie into bringing another bottle from Vigna Rionda and subtly convinced Alessio to open an older Cavallotto. So there you have it - the trickster orchestrating a truly stellar tasting.

We tasted everything blind, but my own wine was the only one I managed to identify. In fact, everyone guessed it, asking if I'd brought Monvigliero. Its distinct style for Barolo made it instantly recognisable. Later, Vasyl noted that Burlotto is like the Stella di Campalto of Barolo - a fitting comparison.

Honestly, I spent days processing the experience. It was an unforgettable gathering.

Members only

Members see how every bottle scored.

Join to see the scores