Richer, honeyed and floral, this is a lush blend of grapes from Verona's 55-year-old Ca’ del Magro vineyard. In the mix is Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Tocai Friulano, Cortese, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico, Malvasia and Incrocio Manzoni. This spends 6 to 8 months on full lees in stainless steel to preserve bright acidity, which is needed to carry the sun-ripened weight of the grapes. Quince, ripe pear, honeydew melon, honeysuckle fills the expansive palate, remarkably slender at 13 degrees, to a warming gingersnap finish. Glazed duck, pork would be a lovely choice.
This Cabernet Franc possesses a dark cherry colour and a flattering bouquet of plum, boysenberry, cherry, spice, vanilla and mocha. The palate is rich and ripe, while carrying long with a mocha-tinged finish. It is starting to drink well now but will continue to develop over the next 8 years.
Made from yields of 2 tonnes per acre and fermented in French oak, this beauty is elegant and concentrated. It reveals a multi-dimensional personality of toast, honey, apple, sweet peach, pineapple, banana, hazelnut, mineral and caper berry. Lobster or crab served with warm butter is perfect for this wine.
Very pale yellow. Almost muted nose, with only hints of floral scents and a mineral whiff. Not completely dry, a trace of CO2 energizes the fatty mid-palate. Lovely finish of good length. Easy to drink now, but it can hold for 3 to 5 years.
A great summer wine. Straw coloured with a hint of lime, minerally, honey, floral nose with a petrol note, sweet and tart flavours or peach, honey and tangerine acidity, lovely mouthfeel, light and airy with great balance.
A classic Champagne from a very good vintage showing complex, bottle-aged development with deep colour and a toasty rich, spicy bouquet. Rounded and well-integrated flavours are supported by surprisingly soft mousse, still bracing acidity and a long, complex finish. At its peak now but should be drunk over the next couple of years.
I love northern Italian whites, and Anselmi is one of the forerunners of quality whites from the Soave region (though he uses IGT Veneto rather than DOC Soave). Founded in 1948, the winery has 70 ha of vineyards in Monteforte d'Alpone, high in the hills between Soave and Monteforte, near Verona. This expressive Garganega/Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend carries almonds, wild herbs, honeysuckle and tropical orange along a waxy palate, one finely textured with broken stones. Nimble acidity keeps this light for all its concentration. Excellent value.