May 18, 2025 - A Vertical Wine Tasting - Old World Vs. New World

On May 18, 2025, we tasted a sparkling “welcome wine” - Barboursville Vineyards Brut Rosé Cuvee 1814. It’s made in the northwest Italian region of Lombardy from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The wine was developed in Italy by the Barboursville winemaker Luca Paschina in collaboration with his Italian counterpart, Paolo Tealdi. It received a rating of 15.4. Cost = $30

Then we compared a trio of Nebbiolo wines from Barboursville Vineyards (Virginia - 2021, 2017, 2016) and three Rosso di Montalcino wines from Querce Bettina (Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy - 2021 2020, 2019). Greg did a wonderful job pointing out the different variables which can affect the taste of different vintages of a wine from the same grape, made by the same winemaker, in the same location. The main variable is the weather. A late frost, too little or too much rain, when the rain occurs (or doesn’t occur), pest infestation, early or late harvest, among many other things, all make a difference. And, of course, the age of the wine enters into the equation, too. Members definitely noted differences between the three vintages of both wines. A very informative and interesting tasting.