It was 14 months ago that CNN launched; 6 episode series “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy”. Released during the pandemic, it was a brief escape to reminisce about food and travel that we once enjoyed. Needless to say, it was popular enough for CNN to follow with another season.

Last Sunday Tucci debuted Season 2 with a visit to Venice and the Veneto region. This week he will visit Piedmont region, (Piemonte peeay-mon-tay). I suspect that we will hear about local dishes prepared with boar or truffles, and possibly a mention of Hazelnuts and the famous Nutella brand from Alba.

Can Tucci omit the wines of Piemonte? No conversation about Piemonte is complete without acknowledging its position with the world’s great wines. Barolo and Barbaresco, the king and queen of Nebbiolo, are comparable to Bordeaux 1st growths and Burgundy grand crus, albeit at a fraction of the price. The everyday red wines of Barbera and Dolcetto are plentiful, the white wines of Gavi and Arneis are delicious and the sparkling variety includes Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante.

PRODUTTIORI DEL BARBARESCO is co-op of 50 growers producing Barbaresco ($40) and Langhe Nebbiolo ($25).

ANDREA OBERTO Barolo 2016 from La Morra district ($36), very affordable Barolo normale

Cheers, Bob the WineGuy
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