Volume 1 | Issue 1
31.10.2021
“Good company, good wine, good welcome can make good people” Henry VIII, 1:4 Shakespeare
Nuove annate.
First of all, welcome to the wine review section of Parlatinate! This will, we hope, be a space to find reviews on both Italian and world wines, whilst getting to know more about their producers, the regions and italian culture. It is our intention to promote promising, honest and affordable wines available to buy in Durham, thereby supporting local businesses and of course, you the reader(s)!
This week, we were able to try two fascinating wines, which we hope will get the tastebuds going. From fair Verona we start with the queen of the white Veronese grape varieties, Garganega. Cantina di Negrar’s 2020 vintage is both a pleasure to the eyes as to the palate. Located on the high foothills and volcanic soils of the Soave sub-region, the golden straw coloured liquid hides delicate white peach and nectarine flavours, with crisp brightness coming through grapefruit undertones. Any lack of strong floral aromas may position this wine more on the safe side of medium-bodied Italian whites; however, a solid serving temperature of 10 to 12 degrees will really bring out pleasing almond and soft bitterness to harmonize those fruity flavours. If you want an escape from the cold reality of north-eastern weather, maybe give this wine a shot, which at only £11 will make any student-familiar bowl of creamy risotto or pasta a welcome evening treat!
(available via this link https://www.mhwines.co.uk/product/🇮🇹-cantina-di-negrar-garganega/).
Our second wine originates from Sicilia, grown and produced in the looming shadow Etna. Stretching over 11 hectares of volcanic hillside, Pietradolce’s vineyards produce refreshingly soft tannic reds. On first inspection this ruby red nectar offers prominent notes of strawberry and rose, with an almost damson-like aroma complimenting the fruitiness to create a more complex experience. The acidity is bold, with the Nerello Mascalese grape variety offering much in the way of spice, red and blueberry fruits and mild herbal notes familiar to thyme. The wine holds its balance very well despite its relatively high abv (14^), comfortably opening up other more mature flavours in the glass. For those who like stronger tannins and more mature fruit flavours, watch this space, but if you enjoy a light bodied red with a roast, pasta dish or pizza then maybe this is the wine for you.
(available via this link https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/pietradolce-etna-rosso-2019).
Speriamo per tutti la sbronza felice, e alla prossima!
Freddie Bearn