Barolo 2004, Renato Corino

Rasmus Amdi Larsen is a 21 year old sommelier. He is currently working as head-sommelier and Restaurant Manager at the restaurant Le Sommelier in the centre of Copenhagen. Administrating the 1600 bottle wine list, one of the largest in Denmark, this young sommelier is showing a lot of potential. Rasmus is also educating at the Hospitality College in Copenhagen, competing in sommelier competitions - and in the limited free time, golfing is a huge interest. To get in touch with Rasmus email him at amdi@gastrodenmark.com

Winery: Renato Corino

Vintage: 2004

Appellation: Barolo (La Morra)

Varietal: Nebbiolo (Spanna)

Oak: N/A

Average Price: $45.00

Tasting notes: Deep red color. Very open nose, showing floral hint like violets and roses and berries like blackcurrant. The palate is very delicate, smooth, easy drinking like you would expect for a modern-style La Morra producer. Drink this ‘standard’ (but outstanding) Barolo while you have Renato’s ‘Rocche’ and ‘Arborina’ cellaring a couple more years. (Be careful how long you cellar, some might drink them before you)!

Food Pairing Suggestions: I remember a very special night I had some months ago. The setting is my favorite Italian restaurant in Copenhagen (contact me for details) and this wine. The menu goes: Cheese risotto with fresh truffles. T-bone with green beans and potatoes. Selection of the finest Italian dry cheese. Remember to have at least two or three bottles in backup!

Winery Notes: Renato Corino is trained by the famous Elio Altare! Renato makes a more delicate and smooth style of wine, with flowers and fruits dominating than his master. Renato makes this ‘standard’ Barolo, a Rocche, an Aborina, a Dolcetto and a Barbera. The Barbera is also really worth trying out.

Vintage Notes: 2004 is an instant classic piedmontese. Some compares this vintage with the huge ’90. Most producers ‘standard’ Barolo and Barbaresco’s are so smooth and nice right now, but please, store the single vineyards just a couple more years.