The rival, royal warrant-holding wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd and Justerini & Brooks face each other across London’s St James’s Street. For generations they specialised in the most traditional of French wines plus port and sherry but now, as reported in detail by Walter in his long introduction to Glorious Piemonte – an audit, they are both, at last, taking Italy seriously.
The wines below represent their current selections from Italian regions other than Piemonte, including some very nice wines indeed.
TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE
FRANZ GOJER
Franz Gojer Kerner 2011 Alto Adige
Franz Gojer, Vigna Rondell 2011 Alto Adige, Santa Maddalena
FRIULI
LIS NERIS
Lis Neris Pinot Grigio 2011 IGT Venezia Giulia
Lis Neris, Gris Pinot Grigio 2010 IGT Venezia Giulia
VENETO
BELE CASEL
Bele Casel, Extra Dry NV Colli Asolani Prosecco
Bele Casel, Brut 2011 Colli Asolani Prosecco
Bele Casel, Col Fondo 2010 Colli Asolani Prosecco
Secondary fermentation in bottle and not disgorged, hence with a fine sediment of lees. Intense pale straw. Serious, deep yeasty nose with sweet notes. Very fine but lasting bubbles. Very dry and with lively acidity the finish. Well made and food compatible. Frizzante rather than spumante. (WS)
NOVAIA
Novaia, I Cantoni Superiore Classico 2008 Valpolicella
VIVANI
Viviani, Classico 2008 Valpolicella
TOSCANA
CALAROSSA
Caiarossa 2008 IGT Toscana
Caiarossa, Pergolaia 2007 IGT Toscana
DUEMANI
Duemani, Altrovino Merlot/Cabernet Franc 2010 IGT Toscana
Duemani, Cifra 2010 IGT Toscana
Duemani 2009 IGT Toscana
Duemani, Suisassi Syrah 2009 IGT Toscana
IL PALAZZINO...