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It all began with Arneis -that wondrous lesser known dry white from Piedmont in northwest Italy. As it worked its way round the table, it met welcomed nods and excited glances. Everyone agreed: for a wine cellar especially known for outstanding reds, this lone white is enough to make a new name for Paitin. Leagues of white wine contend for our dinner tables and few show such aromatics, engaging flavors, bracing balance and enveloping texture. Apples, almonds and pears waft up from the glass and carry you along through an orchard of flavors to the cool and crisp finish that lingers for a good length. Paitin's Arneis is charming and ready whenever you desire a wine to sip, savor or pair with a walnut and pear salad -this one's delicious. |
Inspired by tasting the Arneis, we revisited some of Paitin's Piemontese reds: the Dolcetto, the Barbera and Nebbiolo. Few regions are blessed with such a colorful spectrum of local personalities. The 2007 Dolcetto d'Alba is a svelte beauty, both lithe and strong. It is clean and playful with a floral fragrance, a whiff of anise and a pure lip smacking palate of taut morello cherries. The 2007 vintage was equally kind to the Barbera Serra Boella fostering an equally fragrant nose both floral and savory with aromas of seasoned fruit tree wood and a striking scent redolent of polished lacquer. Flavors of seasoned cherries pour over the palate supported by an enthralling texture both bracing and lustrous. A cool winter and early rain set up the 2004 vintage with ideal conditions for Piedmont. Gradual ripening meant the late maturing Nebbiolo (the varietal behind the renowned Barolo) developed complex aromatics and ripe flavors two weeks later than usual lending more nuance to the final wine. Add to a fine vintage, a blazing sun that arcs onto south-southeasterly slopes and the Paitin Nebbiolo Ca Veja became an absorbing wine embodying all Nebbiolo is famous for. Combining the evocative scents of a forest floor and hanging tarragon with pronounced violets and distant tar, such Nebbiolo occupies the whole mind. For such a fragrant beauty, this does wallop a serious structure whose tannins are friendly but firm and poised to cut into rich game. |
It is all too easy to get lost in the folds of Paitin's coat of many colors. Why not? All of their wines are absolutely stunning and none are remotely common. Arneis' many charms still surface in daily conversation. Dolcetto became an instant love interest. Barbera etched a special place in our memory. Nebbiolo roused fond memories of walks outdoors. Paitin is calling the tune and we willingly follow in tow. With hopes you accompany this enthusiasm, all of Paitin's wines are available at 20% off while shopping from a partnering retailer when you enter 081309 in the promo field at checkout online. Offer good through August 19th. |
