Il Barolo è il vino per fare l’amore nelle giornate d’inverno, ma sono cose che solo le donne capiscono.

Barolo is the wine to make love on winter days, but these are things that only women understand.

– Cesare Pavese (poet)

Yes I do! And I have a very nice bottle in my collection awaiting the colder weather!

I discovered this wine on a hiking trip through the vineyards of Piemonte a few years ago.  I was hooked from the very first sip – it fills your mouth with luscious ripe fruit and goes down warm and silky. (Oohh yeeeeaaah, did you hear the Barry White music just kick in!)

Until I open my next bottle of the “King of Wines”, I will celebrate its noble grape and extraordinary colours with a miniature ink and watercolour. Inspired by a photo taken at a vineyard near the town of Serralungo d’Alba, here is “Nebbiolo Grapes”:

Nebbiolo Grapes

2.5″ x 2.5″ ink and watercolour

In 8″ x 8″ mat and frame

This is the third 2.5″ square painting I’ve finished featuring some of the natural wonders of Italy. It’s been refreshing to take a break from painting buildings and celebrate these plants that produce so much joy!

(Originals available to acquire here)