Brett happens

An impromptu addition to the lineup. Having had such a positive encounter with the wine at Orange Rouge, I brought a show-and-tell bottle to the tasting room to let the others know of its arrival. “How much extra would it cost to pop the cork tonight?” came the question. “Two dollars each,” was the answer, which elicited a collective “Go for it.” And we did, right then and there.

Langhe Nebbiolo 2012, Produttori del Barbaresco ($24.40, 11383617)
100% Nebbiolo from young vines, all of which are located within the Barbaresco DOC. Fermented with selected “Barolo” yeasts at 28ºC in stainless steel tanks. Macerated on the skins for 24 days. Matured six months in very large oak barrels. No fining, light filtering, minimal sulphur dioxide. 13.5% ABV.
Fragrant nose of cherry, sandalwood, tar and a floral note. A silky middleweight with sleek acidity and edgy tannins that add a light astringency to the long, clean finish. Wood and minerals darken the bright fruit, creating a kind of chiaroscuro effect in the mouth. Remarkable purity, energy and balance. Very similar to the Orange Rouge bottles but coming across as more structured and austere, probably due to the lack of food to soften its tannins and acidity and probably meaning that the wine will benefit from a year or two in the cellar or an hour or two in a carafe. Despite the SAQ’s recent 60¢ price hike, this remains one of the great red wine bargains at the monopoly. (Buy again? By the truckload.)