October 7, 2016

LA JOTA Merlot 2013

(Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California) $85

Atomic density is the middle name of wines from Howell Mountain, and this La Jota Merlot is no exception. It thunders out of the glass with vividness, intensity, and astonishing precision. What is most remarkable, however, is that the wine also possesses a sense of beauty and ease. For a merlot born in fierce volcanic mountain rock, it is surprisingly robed by soft finesse.

95 points

Available at La Jota

The Piedmont region in Italy’s northwestern corner is renowned for Barolo and Barbaresco, two expensive reds. However, what grape variety is the most widely planted in this famous region?

A. nebbiolo

B. moscato

C. dolcetto

D. barbera

Barbera, an indigenous variety, accounts for a majority of all the vines planted in Piedmont, even though the region is best known as the home of nebbiolo, the grape that makes the famous wines Barolo and Barbaresco. (After barbera, the next most widely planted grape is moscato). Nebbiolo is high in tannin and therefore Barolo and Barbaresco are capable of being cellared for decades. By comparison, barbera is an everynight drinking wine. Because (like pinot noir) it’s relatively high in acidity and low in tannin, it is very food flexible. In northern Italy, barbera is considered perfect for braised meats, grilled sausages, and pasta with tomato sauce. In other words, it’s great right now in the fall.

Balance

A harmonic equilibrium among the components of a wine (acid, alcohol, fruit, tannin, and so on) such that no on characteristic stands out like a sore thumb. Great wines have balance.

LA JOTA Merlot 2013

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