Many will agrue that Italy has the very best wine in the world. With the Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone... it is tough to argue against it! These Italian giants can get pretty expensive and the guys and I were looking for a reason to blow some big cash on the Title Fight of Wine Tasting. The opportunity came with the successful evacuation of the data center on 31/10... a huge effort representing over 18 months of work. We put our heads togethers and consulted Wine Spectator (thanks James Suckling) and came up with the perfect list of wine and food. The night unfolded as follows:

1.) Moet and Chandon, Don Perignon 1998. Wine Spectator Rating: 91 Price: €99 Our Food Choice: Caviar and Fois Grass

2.) Famiglia Anselma, Barolo 1999. Wine Spectator Rating: 92 . Price €32. Our Food Choice: Pacheto and prosciutto crudo (Ham slices). Salami (from my last visit to France), Russian Salad, Buffolina Mozzarella, Marinated Sweet Peppers

3.) Frescobaldi, Brunello di Montalcino Ripe al Convento Riserva 2001. Wine Spectator Rating: 97. Price: €65
Our Food Choice: Bruschetta with spicy red sauce and melted Buffolina Mozzarella, Tarjin con Ragu di Coniglio (rabbit).

4.) Aldo Conterno, Barolo Gran Bussia Reserva, 2000. Wine Spectator Rating: 96. Price: €118. Our Food Choice: Warm Arrosto (Beef Slices) in a lovely brown sauce

5.) Certan-Giraud, Pomerol 1998. Wine Spectator Rating: 85. Price: €49 Our Food Choice: Selection of Italian Cheese (Fontina, Asiago, Gorgonzolo Picante (ie: Strong), Parmigiano DOC, Provolone Picante and Confit de Fig (like a jam)

6.) Bertani, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1999. Wine Spectator Rating: 85. Price: € 54

7.) Grappa di Barolo and homemade Limoncello (Grazie Jes)

Wow... what a night! These were all incredible and the beauty was tasting them side by side. You can really see the differences in years, grapes, Italian v. French, etc. Everyone had their own favorties but my list was easily determined with the Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino the Big WINNER. This wine, especially for the price, was a dream and one of the best I have very tasted. Numero due was the Gran Bussia Reserva. A lttle expensive but super long in the finish and soft like a baby's bottom. The rest were all suberb and difficult to rank with the Pomerol (French) a completely different taste and one I very much enjoy with a earthy nose and smooth finish. The Famiglia Barolo is wonderful and for the price, a steal. Dom and caviar is always a great combo and the Danes loved the Amarone but for me too hot on the mouth (high alcohol /15%) and too dry in the finish.

It is not something you can afford to do all the time, but for a special occasion and when you plan it correctly... these events are where great memories are made.

Taken from JohnTweardy.com