2001 Marchesi di Montecristo Nerello del Bastardo
Nerello del Bastardo, Vino da Tavola Rosso
Italian Dry Red Table Wine
Vintage 2001
Trader Joe’s, $7
The label reads:
Nerello del Bastardo can only be described as a Super Piedmontese wine invented purely for fun. When winemakers in Piemonte wish to make a Barolo or Barbaresco, the laws governing these wines only allow a certain quantity after aging (minimum 4 years) to be classified Barolo or Barbaresco D.O.C.G.
I Superi (the excess) can only be sold as a table wine even though the wines are practically the same. Master winemark; Marco Dal Blanco and Italian Wine Guru; Dr. Zuliani Flavo camw up with this blend af aged wines adding just a touch of something secret.
This creation is a breakthrough in winemaking. One might say this is the illegitimate child of Barolo and Barbaresco hence the name; Nerello del Bastardo meaning; The Bastards Nerello. [No, really?--Ed.]
This full-bodied red wine is a perfect compiment to game, red meat past a rich cheese or even on its own.
We got this on spec because it was next to the Barolo (decent for $15 — must’ve been an awful year). We’ve always liked Nebbiolo, but it is really hard to find here — it’s very fragile.
It’s dry, not particularly soft, moderately complex. Not particularly fruity. We served it with Chile Verde, because that’s what we had, and it managed to stand up to the spice. It’s much nicer now that I’m having it on it’s own, however. All in all, an excellent value if you’ve got a TJ’s near you.
Orthoclase: A
Plagioclase: A
Orthoclase
wrote on June 30, 2008 @ 6:20 pm
Update: the 2002 vintage is not nearly as nice, it’s much harsher than it’s older brother. Still a decent value, but I keep looking for the 2001…