Beautiful Barolo Among SuperValu’s Easter Stars

Beautiful Barolo Among SuperValu’s Easter Stars

The Ricossa Barolo (2015) is a stellar attraction in SuperValu’s Easter offering which sees dozens of wines on offer until April 14th.

The vintage of 2015 was very good. It followed a difficult 2014 and preceded an outstanding 2016 (watch out for that!). The label tells us that this Barolo is produced with Nebbiolo grapes grown in the eleven municipalities of the DOCG. Its great structure is ennobled by a 3 year maturation of which at least 2 years is in wooden barrels.

It has a mid to dark ruby colour. Aromas, a melange of cherries and red berries, are exquisite. On the palate it is quite hearty and concentrated but with an excellent acidity that helps bring a harmonious quality right through to the lengthy finish. There is a little tannic grip, you notice it, just about, on the lips. Reduced from €24.99 to €20.00.

Serve at 16 - 18 °C. It is very versatile at the table (avoid it with fish though) and you’ll find quite a few suggestions (including your Easter lamb) here.

Barolo is situated in the Italian region of Piedmont in the north-west corner of the country bordering France and Switzerland. The area is sandwiched between the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean to the south, resulting in warm summers and cool winters which result in elegant, beautifully balanced wines with long ageing potential as is well illustrated by this Ricossa.

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The Barolo is one of a handful of “Cracking Easter Wines” headlining the current offers until April 14th. If I had to pick just one more, I’d be getting the Lady de Mour (Margaux). This has a deep ruby colour. Red Berries on the nose, touch of vanilla too. Super-smooth blackcurrant,  elegant palate, terrific body and texture, harmony reigns between fruit and smooth tannin, persisting all the way to the impressive finalé. Impressive all round actually. Was €34.99, now €25.00.

Dozens of Wines on Offer!

Just flicking through the dozens of wines on offer Thursday 25th March – Wednesday 14th April 2021, and I spotted two from the highly respected Spanish wine family Torres, two that have on shelves around here for decades: Vina Sol and Sangre de Toro. This couple have stood the test of time and are down to just nine euro each in the offer. They were regulars in this house decades ago and I must get myself a couple for old time’s sake!

How about a few whites? Check out the Martin Codax Albariño (was 17.99, now 15). A lovely light gold is the colour. Aromas are intense - floral, fruity, herbaceous. No shortage of citrus-y fruits on the palate, quite a bracing acidity here and then that long minerally finish.  Ideal for those Atlantic shellfish. Then there’s a Chablis from André Guichot (was 19.99, now 15.00) and the well-known well-loved Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc (was 14.99, now 11.00). Look out also for reliable Chilean producers Cono Sur and Santa Rita.

Wines from Finca Labarca in Rioja feature regularly on the SuperValu shelves. The Pagos AEX is a favourite of customers and also of wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan. This blockbuster, produced from some exceptional Tempranillo grapes,  is smooth and rounded, concentrated fruit, hints of spice and oak, fine tannins, and a persistent finish. Great with the beef! Reduced from 22.99 to 20.00.

The Barone Montalto Ammasso (was 18.99, now 15.00) is from Sicily and uses partially dried grapes, the method known here as Ammasso. The varieties blended in this gorgeous and complex wine are Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (two local, two international). The result is a rather plush wine and the finish is long. Go for it!

Nugan Estate Alfredo Dried Grape Shiraz (15.99 down to 12.00) is all the way from Australia and it too is made from partially dried grapes which give more flavour, more concentrated aromas. Great with cured meats, big steaks or your favourite pizza.

Remy Ferbras Vacqueyras. Wine of the month.

This Southern Rhone has a ruby red colour;  cherries stand out in the inviting mix of aromas. There is lively fruit and spices plus a hint of liquorice; it is full bodied and rounded. The village itself is small and tree lined. Indeed, when I called there a few years back, the canopy of leaves had the centre in deep shade in the early afternoon. Looked a bit unreal. Shade or no shade, this wine will be a friend to your table.  A friend to your wallet as well as it is now available at €12.00 (normal price 20.99).

More details on all SuperValu wines here.