VinItaly in Verona: Europe’s Gigantic Wine Fair

We’re in Verona at one of the world’s largest wine fairs–12 pavilions each the size of a large WalMart filled with producers. Our focus is Brunello di Montalcino–we report our thoughts on this video made by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. We’ve been tasting the 2010 Rosso di Montalcino, 2007 Brunello, and 2006 Brunello Riserva from about a hundred different producers. The 2006 vintage is perhaps the best of the decade, although 2010 is also being highly talked up. The 2006 offers elegant wines of superb structure that will require aging in bottle before consumption. The 2007 vintage, on the other hand, is more fleshy and fruit forward. It will be ready to drink relatively early. And we strongly advise consumers to not overlook the Rossos. The 2009 Rossos are drinking beautifully right now, while the 2010’s will be entering the market soon and will be at their best with another year in bottle. Many of the Rosso’s offer fresh red fruit, bracing acidity, and loads of flavor, all offered at very reasonable prices for the quality of the product. We’re now off to Montalcino to visit some of the region’s more illustrious estates. Don