Celebrated for its wines, cheeses, cured meats — and truffles! — the south-eastern area of Piedmont known as the Langhe is the epicenter of the region’s celebrated specialties. Wines from this hilly area in the province of Cuneo include Barolo and Barbaresco, but such is the variety and creativity of Langhe winemaking most producers of these revered and ageworthy wines also offer high-quality releases designed to be opened and enjoyed right now. Castello di Verduno and Sobrero are two such examples: Langhe Nebbiolo and Langhe Bianco Chardonnay represent the best of the region at remarkable value. Try them both next Friday!

LANGHE TASTING
Friday, October 28
5:30-7:30pm

Vino’s Winter 2010 classes continue next Tuesday with a Master Class featuring a very special guest! Winemaker Mario Andrion of the acclaimed Barolo estate Castello di Verduno will be at Vino on February 23 to guide a tasting of his wines and to talk about his experiences as an enologist in one of the world’s most important appellations.

At 34 years old, Mario (above) represents a new generation of Langhe winemakers who resist the rigid traditional/modern categorization that has dogged Barolo and Barbaresco for decades. Like many of his contemporaries, he is willing to use advances in viticulture and vinification to produce wines that vibrantly express varietal character and reflect the top quality of the estate’s vineyard sites while requiring minimal technical intervention.

After obtaining a degree in enology and viticulture from the University of Turin, Mario spent a year in Oregon before landing a job at the Castello di Verduno in 2000. He assisted Castello co-owner Franco Bianco before taking over the cellar in 2005. Mario was awarded the Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso for his 2004 Barbaresco Rabaja.

Class participants will taste some of Castello di Verduno’s most representative wines, including Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Verduno Pelaverga, Barbaresco, Barbaresco Rabaja and Barolo Massara.

MASTER CLASS
with Mario Andrion of Castello di Verduno
Tuesday, February 23
6:30-8:30pm
$50

For more information and reservations please call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.