The search for Nebbiolo whole and crushed begins

Last week I started reaching out to my online community, and the growing community. My goals were twofold:

1. Find some great Barbaresco's, Barolo's, and other Nebbiolo based wines to consume in a manner that would educate me on what ot look for. When I find these lovelies or not so lovelies I will share my findings here. The format will be to taste them fresh then every ten minutes until there is a settling point for the wine. Sometimes Aisha and I will taste together, and sometimes we will be joined by others. When something truly magical arrives, I will hunt down the Brix at crush, the PH and acidity, and if possible the person who did the work. I will share this education as well.

2. Find Nebbiolo grapes in Central/Northern California. My desired quantity is 500lbs, so I can make about 15 cases, perhaps two different ways. I am willing to buy as much as a ton, although this could be risky since that means I am committing to about 60 cases. I better get it right if that is what I do.


So in the first week I reached out to a Vineyard in Paso Robles, a Grower in Albany my LinkedIn community, and a few other blogs across the sphere. Regarding the grapes, I was ignored by the Vineyard thus far, the grower, Brehms, informed me that they might not have Neb's to sell this year, thus the hunt continues. My LinkedIn community has turned me on to a few leads for wine, a Canadian winery, and a couple of experts in Italian wine. I also was turned on to a gentleman who recruits for the industry that says he can point me to some Neb lovers.

So as the hunt continues I am going to share my story, and what comes of it. I feel that for a week long stint, the path looks cluttered but visible. I would ask the few of you that have checked out the blog from Italy (Yes I can see who comes to my blog, man this net thing just keeps getting better), to comment on some good wines. I want to drink them....badly. For now, I am going to go to my "guy" at the best wine shop in Santa Cruz. He is more of a Zinfandel/Cab/Syrah guy, but he has never steered me wrong. I should have a couple of tastings to share this weekend. Until then, Ciao!