Washington Nebbiolo vs. Barolo

The route for the 2018 Giro d' Italia was announced recently and the final week of the race is sure to bring some fireworks.  The race finishes up in Northern Italy featuring some of the most classic climbs including the Finestre, Sestrie and Zocolon.  Here is a preview of 5 decisive stages for this year's race.

Not only is Northern Italy home to some of the most spectacular bike racing, it is also home to one of my favorite grapes; Nebbiolo!

This Lucha Vino challenge commemorates the pro cyclists battles in Northern Italy with a matchup between Washington Nebbiolo and Italian Barolo.

2013 Lost River Nebbiolo vs. 2013 Luigi Baudana Barolo

 
Tale of the Tape

 2013 Lost River Nebbiolo

100% Nebbiolo from the Rosebud vinyeard in the Wahluke Slope AVA

Aged for 16 months in 100% neutral French Oak Barrels

Purchased for $26 at the winery in Winthrop Washington










2013 Luigi Baudana Barolo

100% Nebbiolo from the Baudana estate vineyard's 50 year old vines.  Aged in Slovakian oak and stainless steel.

Purchased at Esquin for $52.00













Round 1.  First Opening 

The Lost River Luchador is showing some agility from the opening bell.  The nose shows tart cherry, light earthy all spice and cinnamon along with black tea and rose petals.  The palate is featuring cherries, floral notes, candle wax, earthy tart cedar spices with a tart lightly sweet green tea finish.

The Baudana Barolo battles back with a nose of earthy cedar spices, dark dusty cherries, black tea and light candle wax.  The palate is full of tart cherry and cedar tinged all spice followed by a dry black tea finish.

These luchadors are throwing down two very different styles.  The Lost River Nebbiolo takes round 1 with a fast attacking style.

Round 2.  One hour after opening

Lost River leaps into the ring with some serous attitude.  The nose is doubling down on the cherry notes combined with some additional notes of strawberry, earthy all spice and candle wax.  The palate also features tart cherry, dried rose petals, white pepper and black tea.  The finish continues to show slightly tart and sweet notes of green tea.


Luigi Baudana is getting down and dirty fighting back with a nose of cherries, raspberry, black tea and earthy spices.  The palate follows suit with tart cherries, dry spices and a tannin fueled finish that features dried flower petals.

Lost River continues to dominate the match by taking round 2 with flying style.

Round 3.  One day after opening

The Washington Nebbiolo from Lost River is staying strong.  The nose is evolving to show more tart strawberry along with candle wax and light earthy spices.  The palate is slightly bolder with dark strawberry, black tea and earthy white pepper followed by a slightly tannic green tea finish.

This is it for the Buadana Barolo,  Can the Italian Luchador bring the gusto and take the match with a knock out?  Let's find out...  The nose continues to show dark cherry, black tea and candle wax.  The palate is following up with similar notes of dark cherry, tart cedar spices and a tart tannin fueled finish.

The Baudana Luchador was a worthy opponent, but just never hit its stride through the three rounds of this match.  Lost River took the final round and the match.

Wrap up and overall observations
 
Nebbiolo is a notoriously tannic grape.  Typically, that means wines made from Nebbiolo need a minimum of 5 years before their more subtle aromas and flavors start to show through.

Surprisingly, the Lost River Nebbiolo's tannins were already well integrated with medium bodied red berry flavors and floral spices. 

The Luigi Baudana Barolo showed more classic Barolo character and was driven by strong tannins through the entire matchup.  This wine started to mellow and show more of the fruit character two and three days later.

Both of these wines are good.  I would recommend the Lost River for enjoying right now and to let the Luigi Baudana chill out for at least another three years.