In early October 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Simply Italian Great Wines Trade Tasting, an event with many exciting wines yet to be available in the UK. For importers and retailers alike, this event offered numerous opportunities to discover new offerings that could bring something fresh to the British market.
The tasting started with a Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC Masterclass, expertly hosted by Patrick Schmitt MW. The masterclass looked deep into the origins, perceptions, geography, climate and styles of Pinot Grigio, including Rosé variants. Some insights from this session have become part of a wider article on ‘Understanding Pinot Grigio‘.
During the masterclass, a wine that stood out for being a notably very different Pinot Grigio was the Al Palazzi Pinot Grigio 2022. Made from 100% Pinot Grigio grapes, this wine undergoes finishing in oak barrels before spending three months in the bottle. The result is an aromatic wine with floral notes, nutmeg and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, it offers an intense experience with more mouthfeel than one might expect from a typical Pinot Grigio. There are nutty undertones, flavours of baked apples, and a slightly woody character, reflective of its time in oak. The slight oxidation due to barrel ageing gives it a distinct, richer profile that is more akin to a Burgundy wine, which is fitting as it is even bottled in a Burgundy-shaped bottle. This deeper, more complex style offers an affordable and intriguing alternative to Chablis, with a price range of around £9 to £11. However, I found it quite difficult to find in the UK.
The main tasting featured over 100 wines, most seeking representation in the UK. Many of the wines I tasted were impressive and I’ve highlighted below those that stood out for me.
The Isola Augusta Sauvignon Friuli 2023 was unexpected. I generally shy away from Sauvignon Blancs produced outside the ‘typical’ regions, but this one from Friuli was exceptional. It delivered tropical notes, extreme aromatics and impressive length. Isola Augusta is already represented in the UK through Naked Wines and I found it online, priced at about £19.
The Centrinari Franciacorta DOCG Brut, made from 100% Chardonnay and aged for 28 months on the lees, was another standout. This sparkling wine from Franciacorta had a delightful freshness with fruity notes complemented by rich brioche undertones. Its savoury, intense profile made it one of the more memorable sparkling wines.
Ferreri Nero d’Avola DOC 2021, from Sicily, was another surprise. Its aromatic plum and black cherry flavours, combined with a rich palate of ripe cherry and currants, created a soft and balanced experience. It far exceeded the body and depth of the many other Nero d’Avolas I’ve tasted in the past.
Le Bertole Valdobbiadene DOCG Supreme Dry was one of the most impressive Proseccos of the day. As a higher-quality DOCG Prosecco, it delivered vibrant citrus and mineral aromas, with a deep and refreshing taste.
La Montanina Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 offered classic fruit, cherry and spice aromas, with balanced tannins and a slight oak presence. The red fruit flavours persisted throughout the taste, leaving a lingering spicy finish.
Bersano Badarina Barolo DOCG 2017 was a mature, well-structured wine, aged for a minimum of 60 months in oak. Its deep brown colour was accompanied by aromas of blackberry and ripe red fruit, with a hint of balsamic. The wine’s oaky, fruity taste was persistent and full of character.
Marramiero Inferni Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 stood out for me as one of the best wines at the tasting. Its inviting oaky and vanilla aromatics were followed by intense blackberry and blueberry flavours, all wrapped up in a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
Adamant DOCG Barbera del Monferrato Superiore 2019 was a powerful yet refined wine. Made from Barbera grapes and having a strong 15.5% ABV, its aromatic notes of cherry, cocoa, and vanilla were perfectly balanced with its smooth texture.
A particular point of interest was Al.Si Srl, a selling cooperative that had a large stand showcasing several of the wines I enjoyed, including the above Chianti, Nero d’Avola and Valdobbiadene. The cooperative offers a unique advantage by allowing importers to receive mixed pallets from various wineries, simplifying the ordering process and administration.
The tasting was an excellent opportunity to explore a broad range of high-quality Italian wines, many of which are still seeking representation in the UK.
