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

Meyer-Fonné Gentil Alsace...the ideal choice to kick off an evening

Meyer-Fonné Gentil Alsace (AC) 2022, 12.5% ABV 

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

the ideal choice to kick off an evening

This Gentil, a traditional blend originating in the 1920s, captures all the magic of each component part. This 2022 vintage comprises Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Riesling (mostly) and Gewurztraminer.

Gentil is made from the estate’s white grape varieties. It is not hit-and-miss. You are not allowed to throw in just any old grape. It is done carefully, to a very high and controlled official standard.

It’s the ideal choice to kick off an evening as it makes a delightful aperitif. Later in the evening, importers Le Caveau recommend it with umami-focused dishes, like Sushi. It lends itself to sweet and aromatic spices, from North African to Indian/Pakistani and South East Asian. “Truly Versatile!”

It has a beautiful, clean golden colour. It is quite aromatic, with apple, pear, and a touch of sweetness (from the Muscat), and draws you in. And so it continues in the mouth with a beautiful balance and texture. The subtle fruit notes and, again, that persistent honey-suckle-like sweetness engage your senses right through the lingering finish.

I have been enjoying this for years now, and once again, it is Very Highly Recommended.

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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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Domaine Lacour “Sous Le Clos” Côtes Du Couchois, a superb Pinot Noir from a relatively unknown area of Burgundy

Domaine Lacour “Sous Le Clos” Côtes Du Couchois Bourgogne (AOP) 2021, 13% ABV

RRP €25.50. Stockists:  64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau

A superb Pinot Noir from a relatively unknown area of Burgundy

The Côtes du Couchois is a tiny appellation in Burgundy. Although it is a relatively unknown area, it is the source of authentic and very well-priced wines. This “Sous Le Clos” by Domaine Lacour is

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

A superb thirst-quenching Picpoul De Pinet from Chateau de la Mirande

La Mirande Picpoul De Pinet (AOP) 2023, 13.0% ABV

RRP: €17.35. Stockists: Stockists: 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny 

A gorgeous, thirst-quenching Picpoul

Chateau de la Mirande, with its vineyard surrounded by garigue, is located in the Languedoc, in an area with a saltwater lagoon dedicated to producing and cultivating oysters and mussels. And this is just the wine to pair with these bivalve molluscs! This stellar example of Picpoul is Very Highly Recommended.

Green harvesting and organic viticulture are part of

A superb Malbec from Chateau du Cedre, where almost every vine receives a special attention

Cedre Heritage Malbec Cahors (AC) 2021, 13% ABV

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

almost every vine receives a special attention

Gorgeous fruity aromatics welcome you to this mid to dark ruby wine from the south of France.  It has been produced biodynamically by Pascal and Jean-Marc Verhaeghe of Château Du Cèdre, found where the River Lot meanders, meanders a lot, and where I confess

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

Frizzante and biodynamic. A bottle full of fun. Maule's Garg’N’Go Garganega from Veneto

Garg’N’Go Garganega Frizzante Veneto (IGT) 2022, 11% ABV

RRP: €25.90. Stockists: 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork, Le Caveau online

Garg’N’Go. Frizzante and biodynamic. A bottle full of fun

I met Francesco Maule in Dublin some seven years. He was quite proud, and rightly so, of his very young ‘Garg’n’Go, Veneto Frizzante IGT, “the only one with

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

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

La Stoppa Trebbiolo. “Youthful and purple and vibrant. Cries out for a big plate of charcuterie.”

La Stoppa Trebbiolo 2021, 12.5% ABV.

RRP: €25.50.  Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

“Youthful and purple and vibrant. Cries out for a big plate of charcuterie.”

This remarkable Trebbiolo, named after a local river, comes from the hills near Piacenza in Emilia Romagna and is produced by Elena Panteleoni, “one of the most powerfully charismatic voices of the natural wine movement” according to

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,

Rodano's Chianti Classico reflects a sense of place and tradition

Rodano Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2019, 14.50% ABV

RRP: €23.80. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

“Reflects a sense of place and tradition”

Our gorgeous Chinati Classico has a bright ruby colour with a garnet rim. Aromas are soft but fairly intense with cherries, forest fruit and an earthy hint. The savoury fruit is well balanced by the striking acidity and the long finish is enhanced by lingering red fruit flavours plus a hint of smoke.

Importers Le Caveau are happy with it: “..great to taste a

A must-try from the Monferrato Hills: GAIA “Brich” Barbera Piemonte

GAIA “Brich” Barbera Piemonte (DOC) 2021, 14% ABV

RRP: €18.45. Stockists: 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau

 

A must-try from the Monferrato Hills 

This beautiful wine from the Monferrato Hills is a must-try!“Brich” is derived from bricco, the Piedmont dialect word for hill top or crag, while in Italian, it means jug!

This organic wine has a dark ruby colour, and fruity aromas of cherry and blackberry. On the palate, it boasts ripe dark fruit flavours with a juicy, spicy, and fresh acidity. It has a smooth and elegant finish that leaves a lasting impression. 

It is Very Highly Recommended and pairs well with pasta dishes with a meaty sauce, salami or cheese and it is perfect with pizza!

Brich is a collaboration between Gianluca Ravizza of Cascina Gaia and Eric Narioo (Vino di Anna) in the hilly Monferrato region of Piedmont. The vineyards cover 20 hectares of rolling hills, surrounded by an ancient forest, and include an orchard and working farm.

Barbera makes some terrifically exciting wines. 

The recently published VINO acknowledges that “the grape has played second fiddle to Nebbiolo for years” but also insists that Barbera “is capable of making some terrifically exciting wines”. 

According to Grapes & Wines (2015) about half the Piedmontese vineyard is given over to Barbera, “and it is from Piedmont that the finest, most concentrated examples come”. With Brich, we’re in the right place, on the right track, right here!

This post is part of a series of Italian wines that are produced by usually small or medium-sized wineries, are organic and made from native grapes. 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

“One of the best bottles of Verdicchio in the world.” Collestefano Verdicchio Di Matelica.

Collestefano  25 Anni Verdicchio Di Matelica (DOC) 2022, 12.5% ABV 

RRP: €19.25. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

“One of the best bottles of Verdicchio in the world.”

The colour of this outstanding organic white is a pale gold. Aromas are herby, grassy, and minerally, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. With its herbal tang, it is lively and refreshing on the palate, lime zesty with the tartness of green apples and quince. And, like many Italian wines, the crisp acidity means it is superb with food (“seafood ready” is a term I've heard used in connection with Verdicchio from this area). 

More and more

“A truly remarkable glass of white”. Occhipinti SP68 Bianco Terre Siciliane.

Occhipinti SP68 Bianco Terre Siciliane (IGT) 2022 11.0% ABV

RRP €29.95. Stockists: 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau

“A truly remarkable glass of white”

 

The colour is a deeper shade of gold than you might expect. This organic wine has spent 155 days maceration on the skins. The aromas are also quite complex, white flowers, moderate tropical fruit (think lychee, mango) and a mild spice. 

Strongly aromatic, yet this blend of two little-known Sicilian varieties, 60% Zibibbo (a regional name for Muscat of Alexandria) and Albanella, is surprisingly light on its feet as it dances across the palate, unveiling layer after layer of flavour as you sip, and meditate, to a very satisfactory finish indeed. 

It is packed with vivacious character, a drink to remember. As Le Caveau say: “A truly remarkable glass of white”. Full of juice, joy and vitality, this stellar wine is one to savour. Very Highly Recommended.

Arianna Occhipinti, the winemaker, learned the ropes as a 16-year-old from her uncle Giusto Occhipinti who is well-known for his use of Spanish amphorae at COS, a winery he founded in the area with two friends in 1980. 

Arianna has been learning well before and since launching her own winery in 2006. She has a big interest in reviving forgotten Sicilian grapes and is indeed credited by the recently published VINO with bringing Frappato back to life “almost single-handedly” and has become a “rock star in the world of natural wine.”

All the vineyards are worked using biodynamic principals and the work in the cellar is measured…not pushing the wine in any way…letting it find its own space…..natural yeasts, no temperature control, no fining or filtration and minimal SO2 at bottling.

The SP68 is the name of the main road that passes near to Arianna’s home town of Vittoria….it lies in the far south of Sicily just to the west of Ragusa. She also produces a red SP68 and you may read a recent review of it here. 

 

Her vines are grown organically, under the clear Iblean sky, with no chemical intervention. The farming system is Guyot and spurred cordon and the average age of the plants is 15 years. Harvest time is late September into early October.

Vines (via Occhipinti)

In the winery, fermentation is with indigenous yeast and it spends 155 days of maceration on the skins, then 6 months in concrete tanks, plus 1 month in bottle, and there is no filtration.

#organicitaly

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.