Good Barolo isn’t exactly cheap, and although some producers are making earlier-drinking styles these days, they still need several years to reach their prime.

With that in mind, here are five delicious Barolo alternatives that you should definitely check out if you are a Piedmont devotee, all drinking beautifully right now.

Five delicious Barolo alternatives:

E. Guigal, Vignes de l’Hospice, St-Joseph 2013

2013 may not be the northern Rhône’s best vintage, but you wouldn’t know it from tasting this wonderfully fresh, vital and appetising St Joseph which was picked before the deluge of rain in October. It comes from a single vineyard on granitic soils with perfect south/south-east exposure on the right bank of the Rhône. A seductive nose of violets and a whiff of incense leads into a palate of unbridled pleasure; smart, sophisticated but also joyfully good, with come-hither fruits of blackberry and wild raspberry, cracked black pepper, graphite and cedar. Still young, but also precociously approachable now.

Taster: John Stimpfig
Alc: 13.5%

Cloudy Bay, Te Wahi 2014

This expression of Pinot from the high quality Central Otago region (which happens to be the world’s most southerly wine region) is made in a bold style, with 14 months spent in 35% new French oak to add texture and complexity. The nose is quite delicate, with violet and cherry aromas. But on the full-bodied intense palate, striking flavours of iron, ripe red fruit and dark chocolate are framed by fine but grippy tannins. The finish is silky and long.

Taster: James Button
Alc: 14%

Viu Manent, Single Vineyard San Carlos Malbec 2013

From Chilean Malbec to Piedmont and Nebbiolo may seem like a stretch, but this robust red has a distinctly Old World character. Ripe black fruits, yes, but no gumminess. Rather an attractive leatheriness and earthiness, which would make it a great partner for red meat.

Taster: Amy Wislocki
Alc: 14%

Tenuta Pule, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011

Amarone matches, and even surpasses, Barolo for its full-bodied richness. This example is not quite of that ilk, but its intense, chocolate-dusted macerated cherry fruit with hints of dried herbs and high acidity make for a delicious alternative to Barolo.

Taster: James Button
Alc: 16%

Casa Freschi, Ragazzi Nebbiolo 2015

Best known as the grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, this Aussie take on Nebbiolo has a typically fragrant currant, red fruit and spice nose. There is some tannic grip, followed by flavours of baked strawberry and dates. There is a subtle succulence and a good length, finishing a little bit hot.

Taster: James Button
Alc: 13.5%

Original article published in the website http://www.decanter.com