Let's taste two great red wines from Palatinate and Piedmont.

Barolo from the 2016 vintage features sensationally fine tannins - so fine, in fact, that when tasting it blind, one might not initially recognize the wine as a Nebbiolo at all. The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Ciabot Mentin serves as an excellent example of this. The wine offers complex aromas featuring notes of cherry and toast; it is full-bodied yet feels light on its feet, boasting abundant, very fine tannins, a superb structure, a long finish, and plenty of fruit. It is highly elegant and balanced—reminiscent of a Burgundy and calls for a large glass, such as the Zalto Burgundy. 18.8/20 points.

The Friedrich Becker 2018 Heydenreich Pinot Noir ranks among the finest Pinot Noirs in Germany and outshines most Burgundies. The wine presents notes of cherry, subtle toast, violet, tar, and blueberry; it is full-bodied, possesses a perfect structure, features abundant polished tannins, and offers a long finish and immense potential. 19.5/20 points.