I’ve written many times about the quality of the 2006 vintage in Tuscany, especially regarding Brunello. I’ve also leveled the dictum that you can typically trust “producer over vintage” as a general rule when vintages are weaker. Conversely, if the vintage is great, the opposite can also be true.
The 2006 Tiezzi Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Soccorso is an example of the latter. Tiezzi isn’t known for being among the best quality producers, but this Brunello, albeit rustic, was very nice indeed.
It’s medium ruby red with pretty reflections in the glass. The aroma and the flavors in the mouth are very rustic and all about the dried spectrum of Brunello. Dried cherry, dried herbs, slight tobacco, earth. The medium body to the wine is balanced with proper acidity and the medium finish brings about a slight astringency.
Paired nicely with pork chop milanese, stuffed veal chop and gnocchi bolognese.
Overall a good example of the very traditional style of Brunello, but by and large, Tiezzi has some work to do in order join the upper echelon of Brunello Producers. 88 points, about $35-$40.
| 2006 Tiezzi Brunello – Vigna Soccorso |
John, as usual, this is informative and useful, considering how particular one must be when selecting an expensive wine. Love the label!
John, have you had any Barolo wines from Bussia?
I don't seem to be able to find much about this regions wines, and the Sylla Sebaste 2004 is available, but I'm not sure if that's a wise investment. Help!
Thanks,
dennis
Dennis,
Absolutely… Barolo 101: Even though not officially recognized by the Italian Government, Barolo producers have begun labelling their wines with the "Crus" from which the wine comes. This is done almost as a standard practice. This is similar to the Burgundy region and almost as confusing. Essentially, it's a single vineyard labeling. That's the easiest way to think about: Cannubi, Fiasc, Villero, Bussia, Cerequio, Brunate, Sarmassa, Falleto, Ornato, Rocche, are all Cru's.
Piedmont is not unlike Burgundy in that many vineyards are owned by many families. It becomes tricky when crappy producers bottle a wine from the same vineyard as someone great. Quality is not always transcendent just because the vineyard name is on the bottle. Ergo, I have never heard of the Barolo you cite coming from Bussia and I would be VERY cautious with that.
Aldo Conterno, Prunotto, Sergio Barale, I think – all make a Bussia. My guess is the easiest one you'd find would be the Prunotto.
Lastly, funny you mention it, because I was going to try an Aldo Conterno Bussia soon, to toast his life.
J
Thank you John, that answer was above the call-of-duty, but very much welcome.
Dennis
No problem amico. Perhaps I will do an "official" Barolo primer when I taste the Aldo Conterno Bussia. It would make for a more interesting post than a simple tasting note.
J