An interesting pair of whites that are perfect for summer sipping
Although the summer of ’21 has been punctuated with thunderstorms (and disastrously so in some countries) there are still some sunny evenings to be had. Here are a couple of new listings at O’Briens which are worth seeking out.
Guerrieri Rizzardi Lugana 2020
Rizzardi are well known for their Veneto wines, from humble Pinot Grigio and Prosecco up to their flagship Calcarole Amarone. The winery arose from the joining together of two prominent wine making families and can trace their roots back to the 1600s.
This Lugana is new to Ireland and, of course, is made from the Turbiana grape on the shores of Lake Garda. Also known as Trebbiano di Lugana, Turbiana has very little recognition among most wine drinkers, but much more character than the Veneto interpretation of Pinot Grigio. The vines are around 25 years old and are planted on clay-rich soils, giving extra power. Ageing on fine lees gives additional creaminess and texture. The nose has intense floral, citrus and pear notes which continue through to the palate. The texture is wonderful, pithy and sappy, yet with a mouth-wateringly fresh finish. This is a really good effort!
- ABV: 12.0%
- RRP: €18.95 or €14.95 when on offer
- Source: sample
- Stockists: O’Briens stores and obrienswine.ie
Château Albajan Picpoul de Pinet 2020
Picpoul de Pinet has become a staple of the wine scene in the last decade or so, taking on the mantle of Muscadet for a clean and fresh white that’s great with seafood and doesn’t break the bank. The downside to Picpoul is that – like many other popular wines – it has become a commodity; one producer is not differentiated from another so people just buy the cheapest one they see.
There are a few fighting against this commoditisation, however; Villa Des Crois is one and now this new offering from O’Briens is another. It has the classic saline tang of Piquepoul* but also some fleshy, juicy citrus in between – a combination of lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. There are also herbs as well; in fact this is a more interesting wine than Picpoul de Pinet usually is…and it pairs amazingly well with lemon and herb olives!
- ABV: 13.5%
- RRP: €16.95 or €12.95 when on offer
- Source: sample
- Stockists: O’Briens stores and obrienswine.ie
Conclusion
I would happily buy both wines at full price, though they are somewhat different in character; the saline sharpness and citrus of the Picpoul versus the broader palate of the Lugana. If I had to choose between the two (I know, why not both?) then the key tell is that I went back to buy another bottle of the Picpoul out of my own pocket money.
* For some reason the wine is spelt Picpoul de Pinet but the grape is Piquepoul
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