Walter presents the standouts from hundreds of bottles tasted over the first half of this year, reporting here on those from Italy's north. Later this week we'll follow up with his reviews of new releases from all points south. Above, the Valmaggiore cru in Roero.
As usual a great number of samples from Piemonte land on my doormat, but I rarely get to see something from neighbouring Valle d’Aosta. Ermes Pavese is one of the most renowned producers of this alpine region, which has a minuscule output, and I intend to visit the estate during my trip to Valle...