We have a first! Since August of 2010 there has never been a repeat of a single wine. Pretty remarkable for the 360 wines selected. I have a new sales rep with Prestige-Ledroit. Jess is only the third representative on my account in 15 years. This company has great continuity although this month’s selection slipped by both of us and I am not unhappy about this! The provides the opportunity to gain more insight into the changes in the wine world and where we may be heading in the near future.

Our August wines are produced by Piazzo winery, in Langhe, in the Northern Italian region of Piemonte. The red, Piazzo Piemonte Barbera, is the wine we are repeating. It was featured in January 2019. Flash back 6 plus years when the vintage was 2017. The wine was priced at $12. This year’s vintage is 2023 and the price is $17.

2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera tells the story of the challenges the European and US wine industry are facing – declining consumption, rising production costs, rising transportation costs and the impacts of climate change. Italy was not directly affected but in October 2019 the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on still wines under 14% alcohol by volume from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Indirectly this action affected the entire European wine market caught in the middle of a growing trade war. The 25% tariff was temporarily suspended by the Biden administration but it was clear the suspension was not going to be permanent.

The white selection is 2023 Piazzo Roero Arneis Cortine, not a repeat, although we have featured the Arneis varietal before. The grapes used to produce Roero Arneis come entirely from the Cortine vineyard in the village of Guarene, which best expresses the varietal’s unique character. 2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera grapes are a blend of vineyards located on both the left and right banks of the Tanaro River. As single varietal wines both are nice representaions of the Piemonte grapes and are considered easy drinking wines. Both are sustainably grown.

2023 Piazzo Roero Arneis Cortine Piemonte, Italy $20

This wine is crystal-clear straw yellow with greenish nuances. On the nose it is Intense, floral and mineral, with slight hints of fruit, hazelnut, lemon, sage and apple. On the palate it is delicate, reflecting the sensations on the nose, especially in its mineral notes and light tanginess; well-balanced overall. It goes well with all fish-based dishes, but is a good match in general for all delicate appetizers, starters: Alcohol:13.5%

2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera, Piemonte, Italy $17

This is an intense, ruby red with garnet reflections. The nose blends with a combination of roses, jam, blackberries, and a touch of oak. On the palate it is well-rounded with red and dark fruits and a jammy cinnamon note and firm tannins. Serve with savory, hearty dishes Italian dishes, charcuterie boards, tomato-based foods, and pork or chicken. .Alcohol: 14%