Casina Bric 460 Mesdi Rosso, from a place that “respects nature in every aspect.”

 Casina Bric 460 Mesdi Rosso Serralunga D’Alba 2023, 14.0% ABV

RRP €21.15. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

from a place that “respects nature in every aspect.”

From a hilltop farm in the hamlet of Vergne, close to the more famous Barolo commune, comes this superb wine produced from 100% Nebbiolo fruit. Quite a medley of aromatics includes red berries, roses, and herbs. Can be described as earthy! And so it continues on the palate, all those flavours plus a touch of liquorice, maybe chocolate,  right through a lingering finish. 

This Nebbiolo is a power-packed wine that is fresh and fruity with moderate tannins and a balanced acidity. Piemonte makes some super wines, and the Mezdi is an ideal and well-priced introduction to the area.

Importers Le Caveau say it is excellent with roasted butternut squash, wild mushroom risotto or Gorgonzola cheese. “Just the job too for grilled rib eye”, according to Brigid O’Hora’s new no-nonsense book “The Home Sommelier”. “The wine we drink every day at lunch paired with piatto di pasta or with a selection of salami and cheese,” say the producers.

In a nod to Piedmont's history and to portray the wines at their best, Casina Bric uses the Poirinotta bottle, which dates back to the 1700s. This bottle used to be produced near the village of Poirino, just a few kilometres from Turin, but it was later abandoned in favour of other containers from nearby France.

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Check out our Top 2023 Wines here.

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Check out the Good Value Wine List here

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• This post is part of a series on Italian wines made from native grapes and produced by usually small or medium-sized organic wineries. Taking some “guidance” here from the recently published VINO. They mightn’t always net the hat trick, but I hope to score two from the three each time. I have quite a few lined up, but I’m happy to consider any suggestions or help. #OrganicItaly
• See our expanding list (with short reviews, prices and stockists) of #OrganicItaly wines here

Fratelli Felix Campania 2022. New to orange? This is the ideal intro.

Vigneti Tardis Fratelli Felix Campania (IGP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €19.95. Stockists:  64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

New to orange? This is the ideal intro.

You’ll note immediately that this white wine from the south of Italy has a slight orange tint. And it is indeed an “orange” wine, though the colour is not as deep as in many others of the type; the grapes were left to soak on their skins for just two days. Very Highly Recommended.

The blend is

Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials

Purato Nero D’Avola Sicilia (DOC) 2022, 13.5% ABV

€16.00 Bubble Brothers

Green in the extreme. Soft, fruity red from Sicily with impeccable organic credentials

There is no mistaking the Purato range's commitment—certified carbon neutral—to minimising the environmental impact of its excellent everyday wines.

Not only are they made from organically grown grapes, but the bottles, labels, and cartons for the range are, as far as possible, made from recycled

Vigneti Zabu “Il Passo Verde” Nero D’Avola 2022 perfectly displays the Sicilian terroir as never before!

Vigneti Zabu “Il Passo Verde” Nero D’Avola Sicily (DOC) 2022, 13% ABV

RRP €18.95. Stockists: Bradleys, Matson’s, J J O’Driscoll, Baggot Street Wines

Martins Off Licence, The Wine Centre, McHughs Off Licences, Power & Co Fine Wines      

Jus de Vine, The Vintry, Wineonline

the 2022 vintage perfectly displays the Sicilian terroir as never before

This 2022 Vigneti Zabu "Il Passo Verde" Nero D'Avola is a compelling Sicilian red, bursting with bold flavours and a complex structure. The deep ruby colour hints at the intensity within, while the aromas of cherry, plum, and a touch of spice tantalise the senses.

On the palate, the wine explodes with vibrant fruit flavours balanced by firm tannins and a lingering finish. The spice notes add a layer of complexity, making Il Passo Verde a true delight for red wine enthusiasts.

The Vigneti Zabu "Il Passo Verde" Nero D'Avola is a stunning exemplar of Sicilian winemaking. With its bold flavours, complex structure, and excellent ageing potential, it will impress. 

A Taste of Sicily

Grapes are sourced from vineyards on the lakeside of Lake Arancio in Sambuca di Sicilia. The lake's crystal-clear waters create a unique microclimate that contributes to the wine's exceptional quality.

The 2022 vintage is a standout, showcasing the best of Sicilian terroir. The addition of Nero d'Avola grapes from vineyards near the sea brings a hint of saltiness to the final blend, adding even more character.

Winemaking Excellence

Vigneti Zabu is committed to producing organic wines of the highest quality. The grapes for this Nero D'Avola are carefully selected and fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. A portion of the wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels, adding complexity and structure. The powerful tannins indicate their excellent ageing potential. Cellar this bottle for a few years and watch it develop even more complexity and depth.

Zabu suggests pairing it with Medium-Aged Cheese, Meatballs, Roast Chicken, and Vegetables , while Wine Folly says, “Classic pairings include oxtail soup and beef stew.”

• This post is part of a series on Italian wines made from native grapes and produced by usually small or medium-sized organic wineries. Taking some “guidance” here from the recently published VINO. Mightn’t always net the hat trick but hope to score two from the three each time. I have quite a few lined up but I’m happy to consider any suggestions or help. #OrganicItaly
• See the expanding list of #OrganicItaly wines here

Saladini Pilastri Falerio, a pure, organic, fresh, and elegant white from the sunny limestone hills of Spinetoli

Saladini Pilastri Falerio (DOC) 2022, 13.5% ABV

€17.95 Bradleys North Main Street Cork and online 

From the sunny limestone hills of Spinetoli, a pure, organic, fresh, and elegant white.

This organic white blend from the Marche on Italy’s east coast has a light straw colour. Its aromas feature subtle white blossom and white fruit notes. That continues into the palate, where it is fruity but in a restrained way, with minerality and elegance. 

The balanced blend of grapes—Trebbiano, Passerina, Pecorino, Fiano, and

Easy drinking blend of Trebbiano and a small dash of Chardonnay, zippy and fresh. Madregale Terre di Chieti Bianco

Cantina Tollo Madregale Terre di Chieti Bianco (IGP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €13.50. Stockists: 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny 

Easy drinking blend of Trebbiano and a small dash of Chardonnay, uncomplicated, zippy and fresh.

Looking for an easy-drinking white that doesn’t

Vino Di Anna Vendredi 13 Vino Rosso. A lovely light red wine that “majors in red fruits and drinkability”

Vino Di Anna Vendredi 13 Vino Rosso, 13.0% ABV

RRP €29.45. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online

A lovely light red wine that “majors in red fruits and drinkability”

This organic wine has come all the way from the northern slopes of

This fresh and fruity wine is Highly Recommended. Poderi Dal Nespoli Trebbiano Rubicone. Crossing the Rubicon!😉

Poderi Dal Nespoli Trebbiano Rubicone (IGT) 2022, 12% ABV

€12.95 Bradleys

Fresh and fruity wine is Highly Recommended.

Crossing the Rubicon!😉

The colour of this full-bodied organic Italian white is a pale and clear straw. Aromas hint of lemon and peach follow through in the flavours (where you may also find

Monte Dall’ Ora Valpolicella Classico (DOC) Saseti. “Knowledge and respect for natural cycles help us to find the balance.

Monte Dall’ Ora Valpolicella Classico (DOC) Saseti 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP €26.95. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online

“Knowledge and respect for natural cycles help us to find the balance”

The colour of our Valpolicella Classico is a pale, though very bright, garnet. Aromas of cherries and strawberries greet you. Freshness and flavour prevail in the mouth with minty notes and crunchy spices. It’s a gentle, light-bodied wine with a

A light-bodied charmer, perfect for a casual evening.

A light-bodied charmer, perfect for a casual evening.

Musella Valpolicella Superiore (DOC) 2020, 13% ABV

€21.95 O’Briens Wine

Forget that boring red juice – this Musella Valpolicella Superiore is here to shake things up!

Pour yourself a glass and check out the gorgeous ruby red colour – a touch deeper than the recent Monte Dall’ Ora Valpolicella Classico. Take a whiff, and you'll be greeted by a

Lunaria Coste di Moro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. A wine more for conversation rather than contemplation!

Lunaria Coste di Moro Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (DOP) 2019, 14% ABV

€19.95 O’Briens Wine

a wine more for conversation rather than contemplation! 

There’s no seeing through the dark ruby red of this Montepulciano from Abruzzo. Red fruit on the nose. On the palate, it is soft and intense, slightly tannic with an

Tezza Corte Majoli Valpolicella: A Fresh, Fruity Organic Red

Tezza Corte Majoli Valpolicella: A Fresh, Fruity Organic Red

Tezza Corte Majoli Valpolicella (DOC) 2021, 12.5% ABV

€18.00 Bubble Brothers.

“we prefer to produce wines to our own principles”

This 2021 Valpolicella from Tezza winery, nestled near Verona, proudly reflects the winemaker's philosophy: "We prefer to produce wines to our own principles." The result? A

Tenuta Bellafonte Pomontino Montefalco Rosso, an excellent blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino

Tenuta Bellafonte Pomontino Montefalco Rosso (DOC) 2019, 13% ABV 

RRP: €22.95. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online

An excellent blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino from Umbria.

This Montefalco Rosso from the centre of Italy has a mid-ruby colour. The nose is inviting and elegant with cherry, smaller red fruit and a touch of

Try it with Florentine Steak, rare of course. Poggiotondo Terre di Cresci Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2021

Poggiotondo Terre di Cresci Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2021, 14.5% ABV

RRP €30.95. Stockists: Blackrock Cellar, wineonline.ie

Try it with Florentine Steak, rare of course

Our latest Chianti Classico has a vibrant garnet colour. Black cherries and plums, floral notes and spice may also be detected in the aromatics. Spice and fruit on the palate are matched by the lively acidity as the elegant delightful

Fattoria di Vaira Vincenzo Bianco, brimming with the promise of juicy goodness

Fattoria di Vaira Vincenzo Bianco 2021, 12.0% ABV

RRP: €20.95. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

Brimming with the promise of juicy goodness

Our blend in hand, which is organic, is dry and aromatic with a cloudy golden hue, brimming with the promise of juicy goodness.  On the nose, it's a delightful dance of white flowers, apricot, and peach, with a touch of pine and herbal intrigue. The palate is surprisingly dry and refreshingly herbaceous, with hints of orange peeking through. Light tannins and lively acidity keep it balanced and ensure a crisp,

The perfect lighter red if you want a smooth and not too heavy Italian. Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano

Avignonesi  Rosso di Montepulciano (DOC) 2019

€25.00 Bubble Brothers. ABV is 13.5%

The perfect lighter red if you want a smooth and not too heavy Italian.

This light ruby Rosso di Montepulciano introduces itself with red and darker berries aromas. It is well-balanced on the palate, lively and smooth, fruity with a touch of spice.  A lively acidity also features as the wine heads towards a pleasant finish. Pretty faultless from start to finalé, this vibrant and approachable red wine from Tuscany is Very Highly Recommended.

As importers and sellers Bubble Brothers say

Foradori Tasting at Ballymaloe. Superb organic wines from native Italian grapes

Foradori Tasting at Ballymaloe

Superb organic wines from native Italian grapes.

Holiday weekend or not, you can always bank on Ballymaloe for an excellent tasting. That is exactly what we experienced in a packed upstairs at the Grainstore when Theo Zierock came to East Cork bearing no less than seven amazing organic Foradori wines from the family’s Trentino-Alto Ridge vineyard.

The magnificent Dolomites look down on their vineyard. “We make wines that speak of the mountains and the valleys. We don’t make wine like they make in Bordeaux.” Not that he was doing down the wines of Bordeaux or indeed those of any other region. He was simply saying that each area, each terroir, has a wine story of its own to tell.