Forget Tuscany! Its underrated Italian sibling in the north-western corner of the country offers many quality treats and surprises which exceeded our expectations compared to Tuscany. So much so that two of the Thacks Awards panelists have been back to the area twice in four months, during the covid pandemic, to investigate the truffle hype and discover hidden gems.
Although the start of the 2021 truffle season was subdued, we discovered another small treasure in De Gustibus, a treasure chest of a wine bar in Alba. While Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region, Alba and Asti are at the heart of the region’s wine industry. The best-known wines from the region include Barolo and Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape, but De Gustibus stocks an extensive wine list including other Italian cousins like Etna’s Sicilian wines and options to please any palate.
Our first affair with Alba started in the summer when we enjoyed two outings to this wine bar. On the first visit, the owner came to our table with some welcome suggestions; and sitting outside sipping some full-bodied reds overlooking the beautiful square was a highlight to conclude our first day in Alba. We returned two days later and sampled some of the great food, lovingly prepared in what seems like a very small kitchen. Again we worked our way through a few wines in their remarkable selection with the staff taking a keen interest in our tastes.
It’s here that we were reminded of the truffle season and we were immediately encouraged to book a return trip in the late fall/early winter.
We returned with friends and introduced them to De Gustibus. They immediately shared our passion and we were satisfied that a Thacks Award was very well deserved. So much so that after giving them their award, without being prompted, our friends asked if we could unexpectedly go back to De Gustibus again on our final night in Alba! It is thus confirmed and agreed that this cosy bar is worth repeat visits. This reassured the great choice in that this small establishment with a massive heart (in the passionate owners and team) is very worthy of awards. The verdict is out – we preferred our warmer pre-truffle season visit to Alba in the summer where the blue skies complement the views of the area; but one thing is for sure: De Gustibus is a gem in the Piedmont region that you should include to your wine travel checklist and your bucket list.
Top 3 Highlights at De Gustibus
Recommendations: The team are eager to make you happy – the owner is very knowledgeable and friendly and goes out of his way to ensure that you’ll get what your palate wants when asking for a recommendation. The staff are well-trained and are helpful and positive.
Quality and Variety: Obviously there’s the massive wine selection but there are also amazing taster platters: from cheeses to focaccias which perfectly compliment the vast wine selection on offer. Try it all!!
Ambience: From the warm summer evening when I sampled a bold red at the outside tables overlooking historic buildings; to the cosy winter evening inside with bubbles and friends, the atmosphere and great service is all a winning combination – whatever the season.
Keep up the great work. And thanks again!
SEE THE FULL LIST OF 2021 WINNERS HERE.
MEET THE INTERNATIONAL PANELISTS HERE.
READ ALL THE BLOG POSTS HERE.
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