Here are two wines from the SuperValu Italian Wine Sale, and specifically a Piedmontese pair that caught my attention at a virtual press tasting. These are both “Guest wines”, i.e. they are sourced via local suppliers rather than direct from the producer, giving the retailer more flexibility.
Before we get to the wines themselves, a quick look at the wine regions of Piedmont:
Piedmont
Piedmont, or Piemonte to the locals, is a major region in north west Italy that runs right into the Alps. As well as being a major industrial centre it is also home to many of Italy’s most well-known wine regions, nearly all using indigenous varieties.
Ricossa Antica Casa
The Ricossa family can trace their beverage production origins back to the end of the 19th century, but it was Piedmontese spirits that they made rather than wine back then. Now they make fifteen wines from across the region, with Nebbiolo and Barbera featuring prominently. Below we have two excellent examples.
Ricossa Gavi 2019
As you can see from the map above, Gavi is very close to Piedmont’ southern border with Liguria. From there it is only around 60 kilometres to the Ligurian Sea, part of the Mediterranean, so there is a distinct coastal influence. The estate where Ricossa source their Cortese grapes for this wine was established in 2004 on steep, rocky terrain.
In the glass this Gavi is a pale lemon, so good so far, but it’s the nose where things start to get really interesting. The nose kicks off with an intoxicating muskiness, lifted and exciting. It’s an unusual aroma, hard to pin down, but really special. This then gives way to a variety of citrus notes. The palate manages to be fresh and zesty, yet smooth, mineral yet textured. It’s very approachable but not dumbed down in any way.
I’ve had some other good Gavis in the last decade but none have been as good as this.
- ABV: 12.0%
- RRP: €12.00 down from €13.99 from 20th May to 9th June 2021
- Source: sample
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
Ricossa Barolo 2016
Many regard Barolo as the pinnacle of Italian wine, and most consider it to be at least in the top handful. However, many Barolos not only improve with a good amount of cellaring but are almost undrinkable in their youth. Nebbiolo’s fiery tannins and acids can make for a drinking experience which is more masochism than hedonism. There are some bottles which are approachable on release, such as GD Vayra’s Bricco delle Viole, but a single bottle of that won’t leave you that much change from €100 (in Ireland) , so it remains out of reach for most.
Step up Ricossa! The grapes for this wine are from vines on calcareous silty clay soils, good for structure and complexity. Fermentation and maceration take place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, then maturation is in French oak barrels for two years and a further year in bottle before release.
When poured this is ruby red but with brown tints hinting at a little bit of age. The nose shows red fruits, liquorice, caramel and spices, including a hint of vanilla. The palate is rich and very expressive, with notes of black and red liquorice, cherries and raspberries. This is a generous, elegant wine. It has plenty of tannin and acidity, but they are interwoven with the fruits and other elements of the wine rather than standing in stark relief.
This Barolo straddles the line between traditional and modern wines. It’s highly approachable and not austere, so shouldn’t scare off any tempted to try Barolo for the first time.
- ABV: 13.5%
- RRP: €20.00 down from €24.99 from 20th May to 9th June 2021
- Source: sample
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
**Click here to see more posts in the Make Mine a Double Series**
Other Wines in the SuperValu Italian Wine Event
- Canto Novo Pinot Grigio: €7.00 down from €15.99
- Canto Novo Rosé: €7.00 down from €15.99
- Emotivo Pinot Grigio: €8.00 down from €10.00
- Castellani Arbos Sangiovese: €8.00 down from €12.99
- Intrigo Negroamaro: €9.00 down from €11.99
- Intrigo Primitivo: €9.00 down from €11.99
- Ragnatella Negramaro: €9.00 down from €12.99
- Baffo Rosse Chianti: €9.00 down from €13.99
- Sammicheli Chianti Reserva: €9.00 down from €19.99
- Burdizzo Vermentino Toscana: €10.00 down from €12.99
- Barone Montalto Passivento Rosso: €10.00 down from €13.99
- Cantina Tombacco Aglianico: €10.00 down from €12.99
- Castellani Chianti: €10.00 down from €13.49
- Il Capolavoro Appassimento: €10.00 down from €14.99
- Zonin Montepulciano D’Abruzzo: €10.00 down from €12.99
- Zonin Pinot Grigio: €10.00 down from €12.99
- Governo All’Uso: €10.00 down from €15.99
- Corte Alle Mone Vermentino: €10.00 down from €14.99
- Orso D’Oro Red: €10.00 down from €14.99
- Forte Ambrone Red: €10.00 down from €14.99
- Castlemondo Ripasso €10.00 down from €18.00
- Castellani Chianti Classico: €12.00 down from €15.49
- Ill Capolavoro Primativo Di Manduria: €12.00 down from €15.99
- Freixenet Pinot Grigio: €12.00 down from €14.99
- Freixenet Chianti: €12.00 down from €14.99
- Freixenet Rosé: €12.00 down from €14.99
- Zonin Chianti: €12.00 down from €14.99
- Masi Campofiorin: €15.00 down from €17.49
- Corte Alle Mine Vina Nobile De Montepulciano €15.00 down from €19.99
- Barone Montalto Ammasso: €15.00 from €18.99
- Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano D’Abruzzo: €16.99 down from €18.99
- Grifòn Prosecco Frizzante Magnum: €18.00 down from €24.00
- Costa Mediana Amarone Della Valpolicella: €20.00 down from €25.00
- Masi Campofiorin Magnum: €25.00 down from €40.00
- Barone Montalto Passivento 3 litre Bag In Box: €28.00 down from €45.00
- Masi Costasera Amarone: €35.00 down from €37.99
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