and more:
• Barbaresco: The Queen of Wines
• Intro Case to Killer B's
• Corporate Accounts for Gift-Giving!

Understanding Italy's Killer B's

Barolo, Brunello and Barbaresco. They represent the most collected pure varietal wines of Italy and compete with the Grand Crus of Burgundy as well as the cult favorites of California. Every week IWM features some of the many sought-after, limited-production wines that best represent each category. More often than not, these wines require aging to display their full opulence. So before uncorking these collectible and age-worthy gems, it is important to sample examples that are ready to drink and which adequately display the characteristics of these often complex and sophisticated wines. Today, IWM features two examples each of approachable and quality-driven Barolo, Brunello, and Barbaresco that will provide this appropriate introduction to these aristocratic wines.

In addition to the introduction to these wines, we have included information on IWM's Corporate Account Gift Giving plan. It is a convenient approach to eliminating the hassle of holiday shopping and ensuring that quality gifts are delivered to clients and colleagues. Read on below to get started with a wine consultant and to learn more on Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello. Should you like to purchase these wines, please contact a Portfolio Manager at 212.473.2323.

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Barolo: The King of Wines

For connoisseurs it is Italy’s most collected wine; for beginners it is a difficult one to understand. An introduction requires the proper selection of quality and drinkability. This masculine, full-bodied wine should display elegance, depth, and a wealth of tastes and aromas that only the Nebbiolo grape can deliver. These wines come from the prized vineyards of Barolo, which sit in the Langhe Hills of the Piemonte region, just southwest of the town of Alba. This thin skinned grape, much like the noble Pinot Noir, is difficult to grow due to climatic conditions. In fact, Nebbiolo is named for the autumn fog that descends over the Piemonte hills during the harvest. However, with the cooperation of Mother Nature and the artisanship of its winemakers, it can produce a uniquely perfumed and powerful red. At the close of the millennium (1996 – 2001), Mother Nature blessed the tiny Piemonte region in the foothills of the Alps with some of the greatest vintages and wines produced since the birth of the grape. Here are two wines that will provide an excellent introduction to both style and vintage.

Massolino 1999 Barolo $34.00
Today, three generations of the Massolino family work side-by-side, sharing the experiences and mindsets of three different eras to produce remarkable results. Grapes from the Margheria cru are vinified using traditional methods to accentuate their natural characteristics. With the 1999 vintage you will experience a more classically structured Barolo than with the fruit driven 2000 or modern-style of a Scavino. Here, the deep garnet core lightens several shades as it moves to the watery rim. The bouquet shows a vast range of compelling scents, from the heady spice notes to the delicate floral tones. Full-bodied on the palate with deft tannins and mouthwatering acidity, the flavors stretch from forest berry fruit to eucalyptus and cedar.

Scavino 2000 Barolo $65.00
Scavino’s Barolos often require a little more rest time to become approachable, but with the assistance of the ripe 2000 vintage, this wine is an absolute showstopper at IWM tastings. Enrico Scavino's approach of radical modernization made him among the first in the Langhe to build a new winery with temperature-controlled vinification. This wine is deep ruby red in color. Exquisite bouquet and lush mouthfeel. Lean and austere, yet crafted with superior balance. Expansive and aromatic, the palate is infused with currants, Chinese black tea, vanilla, cedar, and balsam. Firm tannins create a distinct dryness. A truly magnificent wine.

To order this Barolo by fax, click here!

Brunello: The Little Dark One

The most recognizable of all the collectible red wines of Italy is Brunello. Located south of both Chianti and Siena, the Sangiovese grape thrives in this unique microclimate. It is in this dryer, hotter, and more Mediterrean climate of southern Tuscany, that the limesone and sand soil produce a more muscular grape capable of producing a rich, dark, concentrated red (heavier and more tannic than Chianti and thus known as the "little dark one"). Tongue-curling tannins and firm acidity allow these wines to age, catching the eyes of Popes, Presidents, Kings, Queens... and wine collectors. The outstanding bottles we are featuring today provide an excellent contrast between the refined 1999 vintage and the ripe, fruit-driven 1998.

La Rasina 1998 Brunello di Montalcino $48.33
This small family estate, located in the charming hills of Montalcino, focuses exclusively on the Sangiovese Grosso variety attaining the highest quality in all their wines. With the introduction of modern techniques the family has further improved the wines while still respecting the traditions developed by earlier generations, earning applause from oenophiles worldwide. This Brunello emerges from a full five years of aging with a ruby-garnet color. Spicy fruit entertains the nose; then dark fruit with cinnamon and other sweet spices fills the mouth, lingering on a lasting finish. This is a lovely wine today but will continue to develop if cellared.

Solaria 1999 Brunello di Montalcino $54.00
The medieval hills of Montalcino have given way to a new wave of glamour and glitz in winemaking. But in the eastern corner of Toscana it is the passion and drive of this true artisanal producer that shine above the glamour of neighboring estates. Patrizia Cencioni, owner of the Solaria estate, doesn’t spend her time behind a desk; instead she sits behind the wheel of her tractor, tends to her vines by hand, and takes on the tasks of the cellar. Full-bodied, with aromas of cherries and herbs creating a seductive bouquet. Crushed berries on the palate. A dry wine with strong tannins and plentiful acidity producing complete balance.

Click here to order world-class Brunello by fax!

Barbaresco: The Queen of Wines

The third most collected wine of Italy is Barbaresco. It is commonly referred to as Barolo’s younger sibling: where Barolo is king, Barbaresco is queen. The later is similar in style, though the wine is generally less full-bodied and the regulations demand less ageing in a cask as a result. The zone of Barbaresco is a tiny area in the Langhe, where the land is divided among a very small number of producers who extract wonderfully reliable wines from the land. Though still in the shadows of its neighbor, this wine can certainly stand on its own merits. Made completely from Nebbiolo, Barbaresco is a complex wine with gripping tannins yet displays impressive elegance.

Abbona 1999 Barbaresco Faset $34.95
Faset is one of the most prized hills in all of Barbaresco. With the help of his wife and son, Marziano Abbona runs an estate in the Langhe that is said to be among the most intriguing in the region, boasting almost 50 hectares planted to the vine. Abbona uses closed stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures and frequently pumps the juice over the musts in a brief but energetic system of maceration which extracts more color from the skins while holding fewer tannins. Here you have a harmonious, well-structured wine with the kind of full, velvety body you expect from an aged Barbaresco. The nose is intense with hints of violets, roses, vanilla, and spice. Stylish and elegant on the palate with acidity and intensity. The mouthfeel is full and plump, providing an array of rich, dark Nebbiolo fruit that lingers.

Nada 2000 Barbaresco Cichin $49.95
Located in the Rombone area of the Langhe, the Nada family estate was born when great-grandfather Carlo settled and dedicated himself to winemaking. He shared his passion with his son and his daughter-in-law Ada, after whom the estate is named. The tradition continued through their son to his daughter Annalisa, who currently runs the estate with the help of her husband, Elvio. An intense garnet red, this elegant wine is bottled without filtering of any sort. Spice tickles the nose along with ripe red fruit that continues on the palate. Well-integrated flavors and pronounced tannins envelop the senses and carry through a long finish.

Click here to order these Barbarescos by fax!

Intro Case to Killer B's

Understand what makes Barolo, Brunello, and Barbaresco Italy's most collectible wines through our six pack (1 of each) or a case sampler (2 of each) offering. This introduction to the classics of quality Italian wine is also a great opportunity to experience wines from respected producers that have earned Sergio's Stamp of Approval at their price points. These are great values that allow you to experience and understand the Killer B's of Italy today!

Massolino 1999 Barolo $34.00
Scavino 2000 Barolo $65.00
La Rasina 1998 Brunello di Montalcino $48.33
Solaria 1999 Brunello di Montalcino $54.00
Abbona 1999 Barbaresco Faset $34.95
Nada 2000 Barbaresco Cichin $49.50

IWM Killer B's Six Pack (6): $285.78*
IWM Killer B's Case (12): $525.84*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

Click here to order the Killer B's Case or Six Pack!

Corporate Accounts for Gift-Giving!

Eliminate the hassle of holiday shopping with IWM's one-stop approach to Corporate Gift-Giving.

- Dedicated Portfolio Managers will handle your account
- Pick from IWM gift ideas or design your own package
- Customized producer & tasting notes included w/ gifts
- Gift cards and tailored messages enclosed
- Elegant wood baskets are available for unique package
- Up-to-date account tracking on shipments & selections
- Accounts of all sizes welcome
- Gift delivery nationwide

Please e-mail your name and phone number to our Wine Consultants and we will contact you by phone within 24 hours to discuss your business gift ideas, budget, and account options. For immediate assistance, please phone Chris Deas at 212.473.2323.

Click for IWM's Corporate Gift-Giving Center!