Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality Italian regional wines. Personally speaking, I think a good Barolo red wine can be one of the most ethereal and enjoyable wines of the world. For me, a good Barolo is also the most quintessential expression of the Nebbiolo grape, which is the noblest black grape in Italy, and the purest examples are always found in its native Piedmont, in the foothills of the Alps. The Ascheri Family, located in the famous town of Brà has been producing top-notch wines for generations. I visited them around 20 years ago, in May 2002, when I travelled around the region with a group of London-based sommeliers working in Michelin-starred restaurants. At the time, I was head sommelier at the iconic La Tante Claire restaurant owned by the legendary 3-star chef, Pierre Koffmann. Not only was it a super trip, chock full of interesting discoveries, delicious local food and drink, but also, we celebrated my birthday at a lunch and wine tasting at the Ascheri family’s restaurant. I fondly remember, Thierry Tomasin and the rest of the sommeliers sung happy birthday to me, too! So, Barolo, and particularly wines made by the Ascheri family have always enjoyed a poignant place in my heart and in my memories.

As you would expect, this Barolo DOCG red wine is full-flavoured and full-bodied, packed with fragrant aromatics associated with the purest forms of the majestic Nebbiolo grape. You can’t just sit back and quaff this type of red wine, as it needs to be savoured and best appreciated with food. Best enjoyed decanted at least one hour before service, at room temperature and in a convivial atmosphere.