The Beautiful South’s debut single was released almost 30 years ago and has been a subversive classic ever since.
Oh Shirley, oh Deborah, oh Julie, oh Jane
I wrote so many songs about you
I forget your name, I forget your name
Jennifer, Alison, Phillipa, Sue, Deborah, Annabel, too
I forget your name
Jennifer, Alison, Phillipa, Sue, Deborah, Annabel, too
I forget your name
It recently came to mind when I was tasting some Italian wines from the Fontanafredda (Freddie) group – their Gavi (Gavin) and Raimonda (Raymond) Barbera (Barbara) d’Alba!
Raymond, Freddie, Barbara and Gavin aren’t subversive, however; they are easy drinking wines that serve as a great introduction to their regions if you aren’t already familiar with them. Rather than “Wine For Whoever”, their song is “Wine For Everyone”!
Fontanafredda Gavi 2017 (12.0%, RRP €15 at Martins Off Licence, Hole In The Wall & Jerry’s In Skerries)
Gavi is a Piedmontese white wine of some renown, hailing from the Province of Alessandria which has the Commune of Gavi at its heart. Made from 100% Cortese, the speciality grape of the area, it’s a very flexible and appealing wine; soft fruity flavours with some body and enough acidity to remain fresh without removing the enamel from your teeth. Locally it is paired with seafood, but it would also be a great aperitif or a simple sipper with good company.
Fontanafredda also make a Gavi di Gavi which has increased concentration, slightly higher alcohol (12.5%) and a heftier price tag (€25).
Fontanafredda Raimondo Barbera d’Alba 2017 (13.5%, RRP €18 at Martins Off Licence, Hole In The Wall & Jerry’s In Skerries)
Barbera is the unsung hero of Piedmont, making some great wines in Alba, Asti and especially Nizza, the new Barbera-only DOCG. Far more approachable than Nebbiolo in its youth, this is what Barolo producers drink at home. The Fontanafredda Barbera d’Alba shows red fruit and lots of dark spice on the nose. It’s soft and supple on the palate, with redcurrant and cranberry surrounded by blackberry and hints of tapenade – fruity and savoury at the same time.
**Click here to see more posts in the Make Mine a Double Series**
Wow! This touches a few parts of my history from my introduction to Beautiful South while travelling from Bombay to Monte Carlo on a huge yacht, to getting to know people from Skerries who live in Nantucket Massachusetts! Have to try the wines and create some new memories- maybe while listening to the Beautiful South greatest hits 😉🍷