Italian Wines
Hello and welcome to the February edition of the l’Art du Vin wine club!
It is currently all go at l’Art du Vin HQ as we gear up for the year ahead. Tasting new vintages, calculating prices and sourcing new wines are all coming to a head as we finalise our portfolio for the spring/summer season.
We have had to be incredibly organised this year thanks to the implementation of the new alcohol duty system at the beginning of this month.
Duty on wine is now calculated according to the alcohol content of each wine – with a different tax bracket established for each 0.5% of alcohol! I think this is a system that may have looked pretty on a civil servant’s spreadsheet somewhere but the reality for a business like ours, dealing with artisan winemakers and 1000s of different wines, is that it has been a real administrative headache!
The ultimate result is also that most wines are now more expensive than previously. Therefore, we have had to analyse our entire portfolio to ensure our wines all still offer our customers real value for money.
This has given us a renewed focus on the sourcing front, and has led to the discovery and introduction of some great new wines that I think are going to be very well received by our customer base. As soon as they land in Scotland, I look forward to sharing them with you.
When I looked back on my notes from last year, I realised that February 2024 also had a selection concentrating on Italian varieties. I think at this time of year, as we begin to see some hints of Spring, my mind wanders to the sunshine and the thought of sitting on a warm piazza somewhere enjoying some amazing wine.
So I hope that these wines can be as transportive for you as they have been for me over the last few weeks!
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to sharing some new, exciting discoveries with you over the coming months.
Ciao!
Philippe
Trebbiano, Gianni Masciarelli, Abruzzo 2022
Producer
Following the tragic death of her husband Gianni Masciarelli, Marina Cvetic has redoubled her efforts at their base in Abruzzo in order to prove that top wines can be produced in this region, best known for the Montepulciano grape variety. Marina makes the most of the perfect landscape that surrounds them to grow Trebbiano and Montepulciano grapes of the highest order.
Previously, the vineyards of Abruzzo – which experience an abundance of sunshine and are home to fantastic soils packed nutrients – had been taken for granted by producers. However, Gianni bucked that trend, setting out to prove that these ‘table wine’ grape varieties could produce world-class wines. And he was proved right, as gradually over time, his limited production claimed cult status and were lauded by critics, proving the true potential of this area.
Tasting Notes
Made from the local and unique Trebbiano d’Abbruzo, this is a typical, delicious white Italian. Bursting with aromatic and yellow fruit characters, the palate is refined with green apple flavours and hints of almonds on the finish.
Food Pairing
Trebbiano d'Abruzzo generally pairs well with seafood, pasta, white meats, and cheese. It's also a good aperitif. For a personal favourite, try it alongside a good Cacio e Pepe.
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Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Teruzzi, Toscana 2023
Producer
Enrico Teruzzi is a true Tuscan pioneer, being not only one of the first people in the region to install temperature control in his cellar but also doing much to save Vernaccia from extinction. Admittedly, the legislation was already in place to do so: the limited region of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOC was created in 1966, eight years before Enrico’s arrival. Nonetheless, his determination has ensured that this most characterful of Tuscany’s indigenous white varieties is more than a legal curiosity.
San Gimignano, a charming town close to the Chianti zone, also has a growing reputation for Sangiovese.
Tasting Notes
100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Elegant nose of apple and mineral, followed by an engagingly intense palate, full of green apple and almond, leading to an appetising Chablis-like finish.
Food Pairing
Vernaccia di San Gimignano pairs well with many foods, including fish, white meat, pasta, cheese, and vegetables. In my opinion the perfect foil is a fattier dish, such as tuna or lobster.
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‘Silenzi Rosso’, Pala, Sardinia 2021
Producer
The Pala family began their adventure with wine in 1950 amongst the rolling, vine-covered hills of Serdiana, an idyllic village located in southern Sardinia. With mild winters and warm, dry summers, this part of Italy's second largest island is ideal for grape growing, with the traditional varietals finding a special home here. Under the guidance of Mario Pala as of 1995, the winery continues to be family-owned.
Pala owns six different vineyard areas with a total of 68 hectares currently under vine. Each vineyard is planted with varietals that are chosen according to the microclimate and soil type of the individual site. All vineyards are cultivated following organic practices and without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring the wines offer a true reflection of their unique Sardinian terroir.
Tasting Notes
A blend of three grape varieties, Carignano and the lesser-known Monica backed up by a healthy dose of Sangiovese. Intense, persistent aromas dominated by red fruit notes. Well-structured with a soft, plummy palate.
Food Pairing
An extremely food-friendly wine that is equally enjoyable on its own. But for best results, partner with grilled red meats or tomato-based pasta dishes.
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‘Montipagano’ Montepulciano, Umani Ronchi, Abruzzo 2022
Producer
Umani Ronchi is a family-run winery with vineyard sites scattered along the Adriatic coastal regions of Marche and Abruzzo. The winery was founded in the 1950s by the Bianchi Bernetti family, in partnership with Gino Umani Ronchi.
Its original location was in Cupramontana, considered the capital of Verdicchio, one of Italy’s great white grapes. Since its inception, the team at Umani Ronchi have been best known for the production of the two most representative wines of the region: Verdicchio and Rosso Conero. This tradition is kept alive by Massimo Bernetti and his son Michele, the latest generation to take over at the helm.
Tasting Notes
100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Plentiful fresh red berries lead onto pleasing herbal flavours and subtle notes of spice from the oak. The palate is medium-bodied, with elegant, well-rounded tannins and a long, fresh finish.
Food Pairing
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs well with rich, savoury dishes like meat, pasta, and cheese. It's also a good choice for grilled meats and charcuterie. However this is certainly not a wine that needs food to be at its best – perfect for enjoying by the glass in good company!
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