To be held at London’s Royal Horticultural [...]]]> To coincide with the launch of the Slow Wine 2011 Guide,  Slow Food will be staging an exclusive tasting of over 100 wines from 50 Italian producers awarded in the guide with the snail symbol for vineyard and cellar work in line with the Slow Food philosophy.

To be held at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls, the event is open to the public from 4pm-8pm on 11 March 2011 – tickets £20.00 – click here to book tickets.

Slow Wine 2011 is the first guide to Italian wines published exclusively by Slow Food, and it adopts a new approach to evaluating wine that looks beyond just the liquid in the glass to take into account ethical and environmental values as well.  Packed with news, facts and figures, the guide focuses on small- to medium-scale, artisan producers and introduces many up-and-coming wineries, with a special emphasis on those that adopt a natural approach and/or are most closely linked to their respective terroirs.

Join Slow Food today and be part of a growing movement that is changing the way we eat.
Visit: www.slowfood.org.uk/

First a history lesson:- Italy’s wine classification system began in [...]]]> Italy as we all know is a country with a rich and long heritage of producing fine wines. It’s history, like it’s wine, shares a lot of similarities with neighbouring France, but there are a number of differences, mainly in the wine classification approach.

First a history lesson:- Italy’s wine classification system began in 1963 after the Italian Government decided they wanted a system similar to the French Appellation Controlee regime for recognising great wines & preserving quality for exported wines to the European Union. The system originally introduced 2 categories, these are the following:-

Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) was introduced to preserve local wine making customs & produce good quality wine. Wines had to be produced in specified ways, with specified grapes in a specified area, and that area was defined by the Government. Any wines that didn’t meet these strict standards were labelled as “Vino Da Tavola” (VDT), and had to be labelled as such.

Unfortunately, a number of producers of blended wines (something that was frowned upon by the new system) and these were reduced to label their wines as “Vino Da Tavola”, whilst still being charged at an expensive rate. Furthermore, any wine that matched the DOC standard was given an award as such. Often, a great VDT was more expensive and higher quality than a terrible DOC. The system needed to change, and it did in 1992.

In 1992, the Italian Government introduced two new classifications, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) for wines that matched both the DOC requirements & passed a blind taste test by Governmental officials. This was the premier wine in Italy, and was sold as such (often with a security label around the head of the bottle). There were also Indicazione geografica tipica (IGT), wines that are produced within a specific region of Italy, yet do not match the same levels of standards decreed by DOC. Many great Italian wines, such as Super Tuscans, are IGT wines.

So how do you fine a Good Italian Wine? Well, DOCG are widely regarded as being excellent wines, but you do pay for them. DOC & IGT wines are very good in most cases, and there are even some great VDT wines. Speaking to a local wine merchant, or doing research on the wine (such as Industry Awards & Wine Reviews), can help you make an informed choice on which wine to have.

Good Wine Online is an online retailer that specialises in Italian White Wine from throughout Italy. Each wine before being placed on the site is individually scored. Wines ordered are shipped UK wide.

W: Good Wine Online

T: 0845 6432 551

Join us for an evening of fantastic wines made by small Italian producers and delicious food at Luigis, Harrogate. The theme of the evening is Latium, the native region of Luigi, and will celebrate a [...]]]> Leeds-based Italian specialists and enthusiasts Italyabroad.com is hosting a wine and food tasting in Harrogate on 23 February 2010.

Join us for an evening of fantastic wines made by small Italian producers and delicious food at Luigis, Harrogate. The theme of the evening is Latium, the native region of Luigi, and will celebrate a region full of fantastic food and wine. Each wine will be introduced by a talking about its origin and characteristics and how to taste and what to look for when drinking wines in general.

The meal is accompanied by wines such as an Organic Frascati Superiore, a Lazio Rosato and a Passito Organic Tre Grome.

Italyabroad.com is the place to look for some really interesting Italian wines from small producers – plus they have a range of authentic Italian gourmet items such as Olive Oil, coffee, pasta, balsamic vinegar, food and wine hampers etc

Italyabroad.com, Oak Mill, Topcliffe Lane, Morley, Leeds LS27 0HL
t:  08452 69 4324
e: info@italyabroad.com

A celebration of the most diverse, interesting, exciting and controversial wine producing country in the world. The main tasting is an informal ‘walk-round’ tasting of fine examples of everything from simple, easy-drinking Pinot Grigio to serious Barolo.

this [...]]]> The The Old Bridge, Huntingdon is hosting its 2009 Italian Wine Festival on 3 October 2009

A celebration of the most diverse, interesting, exciting and controversial wine producing country in the world.
The main tasting is an informal ‘walk-round’ tasting of fine examples of everything from simple, easy-drinking Pinot Grigio to serious Barolo.

this year the focus is Italy. There will be 70+ interesting Italian wines to taste and there is also a fine wine dinner, a ‘Festival Supper Party’, and the chance to stay for the whole weekend

Noel Young wine merchants will be one of the exhibitors and the entry price is just £9.50. Telephone 01480 458410 or email wine@huntsbridge.co.uk for tickets. More details on www.huntsbridge.com – go to the events page.

Firstly there is the Moscato Spumante from Sacco. Thie wine from Piedmont is made from the Moscato grape  – the Italian for Muscat: “A lovely sweet, fragrant [...]]]> LeBonvin wine merchants have some nice Italian sparkling wines which would be great whenever we get a good summer’s day in the garden or with the BBQ.

Firstly there is the Moscato Spumante from Sacco. Thie wine from Piedmont is made from the Moscato grape  – the Italian for Muscat: “A lovely sweet, fragrant sparkling wine with an intense & fruity perfume.” £4.99

Then there is a Prosecco Borgo Molino Brut – in a different class really - “Spumante made from the exclusive selection of prosecco grapes. Pale straw-yellow colour, fine perlage, rich and fragrant bouquet, dry to the taste with a pleasantly-bitter undertone.” (£7.99 if you buy 3 bottles)

Made in North East Italy, the Prosecco grape is a late-ripening variety which provides the wine with more elegance and depth of flavour, whilst sull remaining frest and light.

For more info see www.lebonvin.co.uk

One example is the whitle Greco di Tufo – Campania, Vesevo 2008 which was included in Decanter’s top 10 wines from Majestic earlier this year. “Another strong and refreshing [...]]]> Majestic Wine Warehouses are offering 20% off any 2 Italian wines throught May 2009 AND a free in-store Italian Wine tasting from 15-21 May 2009.

One example is the whitle Greco di Tufo – Campania, Vesevo 2008 which was included in Decanter’s top 10 wines from Majestic earlier this year.
“Another strong and refreshing white wine from the Vesevo stable near Mount Vesuvius. There’s plenty of crisp, crunchy apples and citrus fruit on show, with slight herbal edges adding a bit of complexity. This is a lovely summer wine that is textured and mineral – very appealing.”
For more info see www.majestic.co.uk

Scotland’s oldest Delicatessen and Italian Wine Merchant; one of Europe’s original Specialist Food Shops, founded in 1934. From our humble beginnings, serving the fledgling immigrant Italian community in old Edinburgh, we now list food [...]]]> Valvona & Crolla is one of the top Scottish independent wine and food merchants with a strong emphasis on Italy!

Scotland’s oldest Delicatessen and Italian Wine Merchant; one of Europe’s original Specialist Food Shops, founded in 1934. From our humble beginnings, serving the fledgling immigrant Italian community in old Edinburgh, we now list food products and wines from around the world, and supply the entire UK with an efficient, speedy delivery system that boasts a next-day service to 90% of the population.

We are an independent family business – free to place before you new and exciting products together with our more traditional food and wine. Our roots are firmly planted in tradition – our growth is nourished by technology – our future lies in the pursuit of ever increasing quality, value and service in all that we do.
In the online shop you will find our own-baked bread, cakes and biscuits, and an extensive range of cheese, champagne, cookery books, coffee, tea, kitchenware, pasta, rice, salami, sausages, oil, vinegar, port, dessert wine, whisky and wine – lots of wine!

Online ordering with basic tasting notes for each wine. Easy navigation.

There is also Vin Caffe on Edinburgh’s Multrees Walk piazza – café, wine bar and restaurant!
UK Delivery = £?

Tastings offered

Valvona & Crolla , 19 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AA    t:031 556 6066

Located in the far North West of Italy, Piedmont is one of the country’s most prolific source of high quality wine. We will take you through a selection of grapes and styles true to this wonderful and distinct [...]]]> Corks of Cotham in Bristol are holding a tasting of Piedmont wines on 5 March 2009.

Located in the far North West of Italy, Piedmont is one of the country’s most prolific source of high quality wine. We will take you through a selection of grapes and styles true to this wonderful and distinct region. Small dishes served to match.

£30
For more info see Corks of Cotham 54 Cotham Hill, Cotham , Bristol BS6 6JX
T:/F: 0117 973 1620 E: Dominic@corksof.com

The Winery in London W9 is holding a pre-Valentine tasting on 11 February 2009 at Clifton Nurseries

Our theme is silk and lace, which means there’ll be plenty of Pinot Noir, beginning with our two sparklies – a pink from Cantina di Casteggio in Oltrepo Pavese, south of Milan and the classic, Pinot-heavy [...]]]>

The Winery in London W9 is holding a pre-Valentine tasting on 11 February 2009 at Clifton Nurseries

Our theme is silk and lace, which means there’ll be plenty of Pinot Noir, beginning with our two sparklies – a pink from Cantina di Casteggio in Oltrepo Pavese, south of Milan and the classic, Pinot-heavy Champagne by Thierry Forget in the Montagne de Reims.
The Pinot theme climaxes with the trinity of Burgundy, Germany and California. How will Thomas Nelles from the Ahr Valley in Germany and the enthusiastic (if slightly absent-minded) Guy Davis from the Russian River Valley in California stack up against Burgundy, Pinot¹s spiritual home?
Other features will be a Rose from the Negrel family in Provence, a biodynamic Chenin Blanc by the bear-like Jo Pithon from the Loire and a dry Riesling from Franken by Graf von Schonborn (that¹s the one in the mad bottle).

The Winery, 4 Cli

fton Road, London W9 1SS

Tickets are £20 each and can be booked by calling 020 7286 6475. Spaces are limited.

Paolo de Marchi’s wines are amongst the best in Tuscanny – from brilliant Chianti Classico to his flagship wine Ceparello, (we hope to show at least two if not three vintages) [...]]]> London independent wine merchant Planet of the Grapes is hosting a tasting of the wines of Isola e Olena on 26 February 2009.

Paolo de Marchi’s wines are amongst the best in Tuscanny – from brilliant Chianti Classico to his flagship wine Ceparello, (we hope to show at least two if not three vintages) the quality is outstanding. His full range will be on show including a stunning Vin Santo which we will, of course, be serving with Biscotti!

The price includes our normal spread of fine cheese & charcuterie.

For more info on Planet of the Grapes see www.planetofthegrapes.co.uk

The 57 [...]]]> Although primaily designed as a showcase for Italian wines to the wine trade, this event is also open to the wine enthusiasts from 4.00 – 7.00 pm on 16th February 2009 at the Landmark Hotel in London’s Marylebone. (Entry Price at £15.00 payable at www.huntandcoady.com by following the ‘Gambero Rosso Ticket Link’)

The 57 participating producers offer a selection of their wines in an open walk-around tasting

The list of exhibitors looks impressive, so this could be a great opportunity to taste and learn about some of the very best Italian wines.

For more info see www.huntandcoady.com where you can also find a list of the exhibitors.

Wines from “Mas Cremat” just outside Perpignan in the south of France, close to the Spanish border. … We’ll be tasting her new arrivals, a spicy dry Muscat and the [...]]]> Independent wine merchants The Winery launch their first tasting of 2009 on  20 January from 5-9pm  at their shop in Clifton Road, London W9.

Wines from “Mas Cremat” just outside Perpignan in the south of France, close to the Spanish border. … We’ll be tasting her new arrivals, a spicy dry Muscat and the deliciously juicy red “Tamarius”.
In the Rheingau…. Until recently Fred Prinz made his dry Rieslings in the garage below the block of flats where he and his family live in Hallgarten. We’ll be tasting his beautifully lean 2007.
….in the rural village of Ayl on the Saar, young buck Florian-Peter Lauer of Weingut Peter Lauer has taken over wine-making responsibilities from his father His wines carry the number of the steel tank each is made in. We will be tasting the fabulous contents of tank number 16. in the rural village of Ayl on the Saar.
….La Marcellina is named after Marcello…… Fabio is making charming, pure Chianti Classico with a deft, assured touch.

For more info see www.thewineryuk.com/

4 Clifton Road, London W9 1SS

T: 020 7286 6475  E: info@thewineryuk.com