One’s made from the traditional Tuscan grape Sangiovese, the other speaks with a distinctly French accent… Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2018, Tuscany, Italy(£19.99 Majestic, Mr Wheeler, Wine Direct) Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2019, Tuscany, Italy(£24.99 Majestic – Waitrose & Berry Bros & Rudd have the 2018)
Sangiovese
Young but Yum! Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany, Italy (£30-£35 Fine & Rare Wines, Tannico) Starts off tight, oaky and tannic, intense but almost impenetrable. Then with time the fruit emerges: gorgeous voluptuous, cherry, berry and ripe blackcurrant, with a touch of herbs and even a hint of […]
Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2012
Tedeschi Lucchine Valpolicella 2013, Veneto, Italy (£11.99 Italian Continental Stores, R Campbell & Sons, BJR Hanby, Polygon Wines, The Square Wine Company, Grape Sense) Gentle, squishy ripe red cherry (fresh and cooked) with a tinge of bitterness to add freshness, a touch of volatility but it’s in balance, and the […]
A couple of friendly Italian reds
Due in Lidl stores Nov 24th 2016 Sassi del Mare Beneventano Falanghina 2015, Campania, Italy (£7.99 Lidl) Lovely floral-tinged nectarine, ripe orange and fennel flavours, and a light almondy note, but just as impressive are the lightly gritty texture – gritty as in the texture of a just-ripe pear – […]
Lidl’s New Italian Wine Collection
The main UK importers told me this wouldn’t be available any time soon – shame, because it’s very good… UPDATE!!! Contact Robb Brothers in Portadown, who’ve been importing Dievole for 15 years Dievole Chianti Classico 2014, Tuscany, Italy (~£19 Robb Brothers, Alivini) Friendly yet knowing wine, warm and welcoming, with no shortage of cherry […]
Dievole Chianti Classico 2014, Tuscany, Italy
Little brother, big brother… Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino 2012, Tuscany, Italy (£15.15 Haynes Hanson & Clark – they’ve now moved onto the 2013) Lots of juicy dark fruit, flavours, Morello cherry especially, and notes of cola and slightly cooked tomato too, nearly very good, but it’s let down by just […]