Easter Essence!
After what can only be described as a rollercoaster of a first quarter to 2025, I think that we are all looking forward to getting together with family and friends for the Easter break.
Whether one is planning to entertain guests or just wishing to enjoy a long weekend ‘en famille’, many of us will be hosting or partaking in at least one celebratory meal. Doubtless, just as much dedicated, forward planning is taken on selecting and preparing the ‘perfect’ menu, at Easter, as during the festive season. We are delighted to offer a perfect ‘Easter’ mixed case full of Italian inspiration. These delicious wines have been selected to provide a perfect pairing for classic, seasonal favourites. These stylish wines possess a beautiful balance which should appeal to all palates, whilst offering something excitingly unpredictable!
Our selection includes the innovative, Ardito Rosso from Barrachi, a wonderful, Methode Champenoise, Sangiovese., together with the irresistible Friuilano and Schioppettino from Vini Grillo Iole.
BARACCHI & VINI GRILLO IOLE At first glance, these two estates would seem to represent two very different worlds, but both produce wines which produce exceptional expressions of their beloved, indigenous varieties.
Nestled in the scenic hills of Cortona, under the radiant Tuscan sun, the Baracchi empire, epitomises the ‘Dolce Vita’,
The estate has been producing wine since 1860, but it was the late, dynamic and pioneering, Riccardo Baracchi who is responsible for the quality and range produced here today, which is thankfully continued by his son, Benedetto. With his deep passion for his birthplace, Riccardo managed to combine tradition with sustainability to produce exquisite wines of unparalleled quality. Together with his son Benedetto and the expertise of oenologist and agronomist Stefano Chioccioli, he meticulously selected the finest soils for each grape variety, creating a modern and dynamic winemaking venture.
I first came across the incredible estate whilst on a quest to discover the superb Syrah wines of Cortona. However, it was Baracchi’s sensational Sangiovese which I found truly exciting!
The charming 16th Century Manor House, of Vini Grillo Iole, is situated right on the border with Slovenia, in the sleepy village of Albana di Prepotto. It is home today to Anna Muzzonlini, together with her son Mattia and daughter Julia. Inspired by his passion for great wine, Anna's father Sergio, a Doctor by profession, first started producing wine here, (originally the family’s country retreat), in the 1970s and Anna continues with the same dedication and passion .
Whilst she was proud of the estate her father had created and applauded the work that he had begun, she did not feel that he had always planted the best varietals for the terroir and set about pulling up Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Malvasia to replace with native varieties including the treasured, Shioppettino di Prepotto – the variety that she believes represent their true future. Unlike in her father's time, when the cellar was run by employees, today Anna manages the whole 9 ha estate, with the help of her son Mattia. Their love and devotion to their work clearly shine through in the beautifully seamless balance of the wines they produce.
2018 Toscano Rosso Ardito The Toscano Rosso Ardito, Classic is another inspiration of Riccardo, who was the first to craft a classic method sparkling wine from the indigenous Tuscan varieties. From 100% Sangiovese, this is beautifully clean, dry sparkling rose, but not insipid with lovely raspberry fruits, almonds and delicate minerality. Refined and refreshing.
2016 Friulano The Friulano is in fact one of the original, indigenous varieties planted at the estate and is a wonderfully aromatic and expressive varietal. The 2016 was so spectacular, we secured almost all Anna’s remaining cases. The wine has an impressive depth on the palate, with ripe, white peach fruits and hints of bitter almond combined with subtle wet stone minerality and subtle peppery notes. It has lovely harmony and a lingering, clean finish. Delicious on its own or as a partner to fish, white meat or cheeses.
2019 Schioppettino di Prepotto Beautifully pure, alluring bouquet, fragrant and fruity with notes of violets, ripe black and red berries laced with subtle hints of pepper and gentle spicy aromas. Fabulous intensity and freshness on the palate with super delineation and focus. Brimming with delicious berry fruits on the palate, with mouth-wateringly ripe, cherry, raspberry and blackcurrants, lifted by the tantalizing lift of spice and pepper and fine minerality. This is an incredibly refined wine, with a Burgundian finesse. The perfect partner to seasonal Lamb dishes, but with the depth to accompany richer dishes, but with the elegance and lift to not overwhelm white meats.
OFFER ENDS TUESDAY 22nd APRIL
Three bottle mixed case – 5% Discount containing –
One bottle x 2018 Ardito Rosso, Baracchi One bottle x 2016 Friulano, Vini Grillo Iiole One bottle x 2019 Schioppettino, Vini Grillo Iole
Six bottle mixed case – 10% Discount containing
Two bottles x 2018 Ardito Rosso, Baracchi Two bottles x 2016 Friulano, Vini Grillo Iiole Two bottles x 2019 Schioppettino, Vini Grillo Iole