From Budello outside Bologna, an excellent Barbera

Notes for blog on the surprisingly excellent wine made right here at Locanda Gli Ulivi in Budello, outside Bologna about 15 miles. Sitting here looking at the very vines that made these wines along with a beautiful set of low hills covered with vines on, higher up, trees. Weather perfect and air fresh, out on terrace by swimming pool.  So the innkeeper asked if I'd like to try his own wines and I thought sure let's try.  I believe the barbera is 13 euros, the pignoletto frizzante 8 so wasn't expecting much.

Well the white pignoletto was a near perfect simple summer sipping wine, uncomplicated but grippy and apply in the best quaffing way.

The red though truly surprised.  At first it was plum with some vailla and prune, not unlike a simple but well made brunello.  Then it evolved to include a tutti fruity and flowery component quality --though actually I'm smelling it in the air from flowers so I think the flowers aren't from the wine.  Still the wine kept evolving so after 90 min or so became more elderberry or some other spicier or herbaceous berry than the basic strawberry or raspberry.  The finish lengthened with time too. The wine isn't an age worthy wine but it's fresh and drinkable now and for the year or so, then will be replaced by the next year.  Very close relationship here between land and wine and terroir.

This is me in midst of the Gli Ulivi grapes, at harvest time.  Note: I added this picture on July 5, 2012, the day we met Wib and Charlotte at Gli Ulivi. Delighted to return to this place.

There is a subregion, the proprietor told me, called Budello (also name of village) and from this perch we can see the entire area! He said it's part of Colli Bolognesi, but distinct Budello.  He grow the two grapes in these wines and a Sauvignon blanc that he's out of.  This of course is my favorite thing to be doing. Il Monticelli Barbera--n.v. Same name for the frizzante.