Ever seen an “affordable” Lamborghini? Value’s in the eye of the beholder there, right? Still, good luck staying under six digits. Similar in Barolo, the undisputed King of Wines and Wine of Kings! Say we’re inquiring at a wine shop in Italy for a highly acclaimed Piemontese red under $40? They’d politely point us to the Barbera section! They obviously would not know that they were talking to a lucky Operative with a careful eye on The Wine Spies today!

Deep garnet to the heart while gently fading to a brick orange circumference that is translucent to the eye. Adorned with a really rich and seductive perfume, showing ripe plum and fresh herb aromas singed by iron and tobacco. Full and powerful once it caresses the palate with velvety tannins, exuding licorice, cherry, strawberry, floral and spice hints. Intense and harmonious, with excellent grip and a lingering aftertaste, the complexity lasts long on the authoritative finish. This collectible grade Nebbiolo is surely built for the locally famous, globally prized white Alba truffle, on pasta, or anything really. Just make sure the shavings cover the plate fully.

While Piedmont is ruled by a handful of elite producers consistently producing superstar collectibles that fetch $100s a bottle, therein lie a few select secret wineries that connoisseurs and collectors latch onto for superb value. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate highlights Piazzo as that “good producer to turn to when looking for value buys from Barolo” and Forbes echoes; “this is a little known producer in a small hamlet of the Barbaresco production zone… and their Barolo is excellent.” According to Decanter, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value amongst Barolo’s 2015s than this.

And what a vintage 2015 is! James Sucking is spot on; “The full capability of the Nebbiolo grape’s expressive nature is alive in Barolo 2015 and it is a vintage to really celebrate. In general, the wines are exuberantly fragrant and show fresh clear fruit on the nose with abundant aromatic complexity. Structurally they are rich in ripe, fine and powerful tannins. They are toned, muscular and athletic, coupled with freshness, a keen sense of focus, great length, and an astute balance. These wines also have the great fortune of offering instant appeal as well as more in-depth attraction, which is the hallmark of a truly great vintage. These wines will satisfy both the experienced palate and educated connoisseur. They are also very expressive and show strong typicity by communes and also single vineyards. But if there was one attribute to single out, it is the way in which these wines combine power with elegance. They are thrilling to taste.”

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

94 Points – Decanter - “Spicy, complex with hints of tar, cherries and dried strawberries. Good length.”