Gauntleys' Second Lockdown Support Case
The second national lockdown has begun, nights are drawing in and there is that distinct, Autumn chill in the air. It is time to draw the curtains, light the fire and enjoy some warming comfort food and a glass of delicious, sun-kissed, Italian wine.
We will shortly be releasing a series of promotions and recommendations for your Christmas cheer. In the meantime however, to help our customers through the next few weeks, of this ‘gloomy’ lockdown, I am delighted to put together the following offer, on some great value, Italian treasures. A spicy Primitivo from Apulia, a deliciously moreish, Montepulciano from Abruzzo and two tantalizingly flavourful favourites form Saladini Pilastri in the Marche!
So, let’s all batten down the hatches, light the fire, prepare the pasta and pour the wine! Salute!
TENUTA GIUSTINI, Apulia The family owned, Tenuta Giustini, comprises some 30 ha of vineyards in the beautiful Ionio Salento region of Apulia, the ‘heel’ of Italy. With their close proximity to the sea, the indigenous vines grown here have the ideal conditions to flourish, with the benefit of the fertile soils, hours of warm sunshine and fresh sea breezes. Salvatore Papodopli, who now runs the estate, leads a team, passionate and dedicated to unlocking the best potential of their terroir, climate, vines and grapes. Great care is given at every stage of the production, both in vineyard and cellar, to ensure that the wines they bottle fully capture these unique qualities. The 2015 Primitivo has matured beautifully. Sunshine in the glass.
2015 Terrame Primitivo, IGT Salento Good depth of colour with a delightfully fragrant, slightly floral bouquet and spiced berry fruits, intermingle with subtle hints of leather and tobacco. Full bodied, but mellow on the palate with ripe, warming, black berry fruits, hints of earthy, spice. Lovely balance with attractive lift of freshness on the finish.
FRATELLI BARBA, Abruzzo Established in Abruzzo in the 18th century, the scenically located, family run estate of Fratelli Barba, is producing an array of beautifully vinified wines, but is far removed from the 12 ha estates that we are used to working with! The vineyards here cover some 130 ha, with the total estate amounting to 684 ha. The rest of the land is run with an equal dedication to quality, producing first class olive oil from 19 ha, a further 23 ha of fruit orchards and the remainder supporting 600 dairy cows, for the production of ‘high quality’ milk. Enjoying long hours of daily sunshine combined with cool nights, the winters here are moderated by the influence of the Adriatic sea, providing a beneficial micro-climate for the vineyards. Over the past quarter of a century, Giovanni Barba has dedicated himself to improving the consistency of their wine production at every stage of the process, including the creation of a new cellar in 1991, which he continues to adapt, to ensure the quality is continually improved and maintained, producing wines with a modern purity and finesse.
2017 Montepulciano, Fratelli Barba, This glorious Montepulciano really punches above its weight, with rich and complex notes of dark cherries, ripe red fruits, plums, spices, almonds and a lengthy mineral finish.
SALADINI PILASTRI Marche Owned by the noble family of Count Saladini Pilastri, this 300 hectare estate is nestled in the beautiful, rolling hills of the Marche. Around half of the limestone slopes are under vine, interspersed with areas of forest, scrubland and olive groves. Through the generations, the Pilastri’s have believed in caring for the environment and aided by the hot dry climate, were one of the first in Italy to work their vineyards organically.
The same care and pride is given throughout the process, with only the best juice being selected. With such obvious devotion and attention to detail, it is perhaps no surprise that the finished wines should prove so appealing, but what is astonishing however, is their incredible value for money! Both the delightfully aromatic and seamless Falerio and the deep, characterful Rosso Piceno, have a style and substance you would not normally achieve at this humble price point!
2017 Rosso Piceno, Produced from a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Montepulciano, matured in large old oak barrels, the Rosso Piceno is way more than a simple, one dimensional, fruit bomb. Brimming with deep, dark, earthy cherry fruits with hints of plum, wood and subtle spices. Harmonious balance and lingering finish.
2019 Falerio Equally terrific, with tantalizingly floral aromatics, this vibrant white wine is a blend of Trebbiano, Pecorino and Passerina. Dry on the palate, but with delicious, mouth-watering fruit and subtle hint of almond, beautifully balanced by a refreshing lift of acidity. Delicious!
The special mixed case offer below, is for 3 bottles of each wine – 2015 Terrame Primitivo, IGT Salento, Tenuta Giustini 2017 Montepulciano, Fratelli Barba, 2017 Rosso Piceno, Saladini Pilastri 2019 Falerio, Saladini Pilastri FULL RETAIL PRICE - £144.66 SPECIAL SECOND LOCKDOWN SUPPORT OFFER – £115.00