Italia! magazine have been generous to Great Western Wine over the last couple of months, giving brilliant reviews to whites, reds and fizz from all over Italy. The wines here show that Italy is evolving, with surprises to be had at some very modest prices.  Here we have a Sardinian Vermentino, a Tuscan Sangiovese (that’s not a Chianti) and two top Proseccos which take this style to another level.

White

Santadi Cala Silente Vermentino 2013

This was Italia!’s “Discovery of the Month” from their February 2015 issue:

“I’ve said it before, but I forced my family on an eight-hour round trip to the Santadi cooperative outlet in Sardinia to buy three bottles of its flagship Terre Brune red wine. They’ve never forgiven me. This, one of the fabulous whites, continues to surprise. It’s yet another example of a wine that’s fresh and fragrant, comprising lemon notes on the nose with tastes of grass and sage, bursting with flavour and demanding to be resampled. One of the best the island has to offer.” Issue 123 (Feb 2015)

Red

Tenuta di Belguardo, Bronzone Morellino di Scansano 2010

“This elegant wine is made using just the local Tuscan Sangiovese grape variety. Richer that a Chianti, it has pronounced cherry and dark plum aromas with a touch of wood smoke and tar. Dark red in colour, it is both richly textured and very full of body, with a good tannic structure and plenty to draw you back on the finish. A fine expression of Sangiovese and perfect with winter stews and hearty soups.” Issue 122 (Jan 2015)

Fizz

Ruggeri Prosecco Brut Quartese DOCG NV

“The Ruggeri prosecco wines – part of the Bisol company in Valdobbiadene – are complex creatures, each distinct, all delicious. The Brut Quartese is a rounded concentration of apple and sherbet aromas and crisp fruit laced with flavours of mandarin and subtle spice. With intense, dense bubbles and a classic intensity typical of the wines of the region, this is top quality prosecco. No, it’s not cheap, but in this case it’s worth every penny.” Issue 121 (Dec 2014)

Ruggeri Prosecco Riserva Giustino Bisol DOCG 2013

“Well, we’re jumping in with the big guns! Together with the Brut Quartese we have two wines from renowned Bisol-run brand Ruggeri. And this one, a vintage wine from 2013, is quite simply the best the company has to offer. Zesty aromas of soft, juicy apples and crisp pear are complemented by a wide though balanced collection of flavours including spiced breads and citrus. Simply one of the best proseccos going.” Issue 121 (Dec 2014).

By Chris Penwarden