2018 Italy
Showing 1-22 out of 22 items
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Monte del Fra,
Drink now,
This Corvina-based blend comes from vineyards located in Sommacampagna, southeast of Lake Garda. Vivid yet delicate cherry-blossom pink in colour, it has a clean nose of red berry fruit, wild flowers and green apples, along with some subtle spicy notes. On the palate, the juicy sensation of fresh berries is fully revealed. The uplifting, youthful acidity makes it the perfect aperitivo and can be drunk on its own or accompanied by summery Italian classics: prosciutto and melon, caprese salad or bruschette. Drink now to 2021.
Matt Smith, Buyer (July 2019)
Matt Smith, Buyer (July 2019)
Roberto Sarotto, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
The Bric Sassi vineyard takes its name from the unique calcareous marlstone soils in the Gavi commune and enjoys a privileged south-facing position. The grapes are sourced from vines that are on average 40 years old, producing fewer and more concentrated bunches of grapes. The result is a rich wine, immediately enjoyable with its lively citrus and floral nose and generously ripe palate. The fruit gives way to an uplifting zest and firm steeliness that emerges in the background, adding structure and longevity. Drink now to 2022.
Stefania Masin, Buying Assistant ( June 2019)
Stefania Masin, Buying Assistant ( June 2019)
Faraone, Abruzzo,
Ready, but will keep,
This Pecorino is made from a small parcel that Faraone acquired in the 2000s, with the aim of saving this indigenous variety from oblivion. Fourth-generation winemaker Federico Faraone likes to vinify this traditionally, using no oak and allowing the wine to slowly evolve in bottle. The nose is perfumed, with aromas of pear drop and white flowers, but the palate provides more savoury and musky notes. A complex wine, this is particularly good with mature cheeses or oily fish. Drink now to 2025.
Stefania Masin, Buying Assistant (July 2019)
Stefania Masin, Buying Assistant (July 2019)
Cornarea, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
Fresh and sunny, the wine offers notes of white peach and honey, bay leaf and lime flower. Concentrated and lively on the palate, it has lots of ripe fruit, texture and body. With good acidity and a mineral spine (from the magnesium-rich soils), there is a white-stone salinity on the finish. Drink now to 2025.
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)
Antonio Vallana e Figlio,
Drink now,
A new addition to the Vallana range, this rosé is rooted in Francis and Marina’s childhood, when they used to steal Nebbiolo grapes from the tanks just after harvest. During these very first hours of fermentation, Nebbiolo expresses the most incredible floral and sweet-fruit characters – as captured by this wine. Aromas of wild strawberry and white flowers lead to a palate laden with forest fruit, with a hint of tangerine and a beautifully fresh, dry finish. Try with cold charcuterie or seared tuna. Drink now to 2020.
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)
Graci, Sicily,
Drink now,
This pale, slightly orange-hued rose is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, a grape often considered the Pinot Noir of Sicily. The fruit comes from Alberto Graci’s Arcuria vineyard, located at 600 metres above sea-level. Temperatures are cooler here and the grapes benefit from a slow, extended ripening – developing aromas of wild flowers and mandarin, with slightly savoury tones on the finish. A serious rosé, it is matured in cement and spends six months on the lees for added complexity. Drink now to 2021.
Stefania Masin, Buying Assistant (May 2019)
Stefania Masin, Buying Assistant (May 2019)
Showing 1-22 out of 22 items