Wine: 2007 Marcarini Barolo Brunate
Region: Piedmont
Sokolin Price: $46.99/btl
Rating: 94 RP

Last week, we brought your attention to 2009 Red Burgundies. Right now in the wine business, what's just as hot as '09 Red Burgs are 2007 Barolos. This region is receiving quite the coverage from industry experts. Robert Parker has really praised this Barolo vintage! "The 2007 Barolo are some of the most viscerally thrilling young wines I have ever tasted. The 2007s are similar to the 2004s, but with more substance. The wines are radiant, intensely perfumed and totally seductive, yet not at all heavy, in a style that offers the textural richness of a warm vintage with the aromatics of a cool year. In 2006 and 2007, readers will find the finest back to back Barolo vintages since 1989 and 1990?" Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

And so, we decided to share a bottle of 2007 Marcarini Barolo Brunate over a simple, casual summer dinner of grilled vegetables and penne pasta tossed in olive oil, garlic and herbs. Sometimes it's hard to think about drinking red wines in the summertime, but we can always find red wines you will love even in warm weather! And we are convinced that the Brunate is one of the best red wines to drink in warm weather! With its brilliant ruby/garnet color, the Brunate was refreshing and full of jammy, fruity flavors, with a hint of spices and tobacco. It was not an overpowering fruit bomb, but rather, it showed elegance and charm. The Brunate is made from the Nebbiolo grape, a grape that grows basically nowhere else in the world except for the Piedmont area of Italy. It is known for its high levels of acidity and tannin, which aids in the wine's ability to age for a long time. Upon first sip, the acidity can instantly be identified, and it made us think, 'wow, this wine is going to last for a long time!'

While the Marcarini wines are recognized on the international wine market, some of you probably have never heard of their wines. We love uncovering these gems that may not be on your radar! The Marcarini winery places a lot of emphasis on tradition even though it is a modern vineyard. The family adheres to rigorous traditions in the Langhe region, and they practice a system of pruning so as to limit grape production. The Brunate comes from a very low yield per hectare. 

Recommendation: At less than $50 a bottle and with 94 points from Robert Parker, this wine is a classic example of a wine with a great points-to-price ratio. If you are having a large party with many guests, this wine is also available in a magnum and double magnum format. We encourage you to pick up a 6 pack or a case today, and pop a bottle or two when it arrives to you. You can lay the rest down in your cellar and store for a few years. This wine is going to age well!

Our Score - 94+ points