Working predominately with an all-Italian wine list, there are certain sayings from guests that I am accostomed to hearing, mainly the phrase "I know French, but know nothing about Italian" and the runner-up "I think we'd like something really big and hearty like a Barolo". More often than not, guests come and ask for either a Barolo, Brunello, or Barbaresco because those are the Italian wines they are most familiar with. A common misconception people have is while their palates may lean towards more modern, New World styles, thinking that a Barolo is the wine for them. Sometimes, yes, but if Harlan is what they prefer to drink, then perhaps earthy, acidic Nebbiolo isn't quite for them. This is the chance I have to excitedly introduce someone to a new wine.

Like Bordeaux and how it ages? Then try Brunello or even a Super Tuscan, where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese even run freely about, creating such delights as Castello dei Rampolla's Sammarco (Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese and one of my personal favorites) and Vigna d'Alceo (Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot), Le Pergole Torte (Sangiovese and ditto), Sassicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc), and Solaia (Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Sangiovese).

What about Burgundies? Then perhaps a gorgeous, aged Barolo would find a happy home at your table, as Pinot Noir tends to aquire similar characteristics as Nebbiolo as it ages. The more traditional producers such as Cavallotto, Giacosa, Bartolo Mascarello, and Giacomo Conterno are generally more austere, elegant, and consist of earthier tones. Modernists like Angelo Gaja, Voerzio, Sandrone, and La Spinetta utilize new French barriques, producing a more fruit-forward, easily accessible at a younger age.