Trying to convey to Peter Turner, and his companion Christine Wild, in a couple of days what I’d learnt about buying over ten years was the task. I’d set out a programme that first addressed the context and, importantly, the culture of fine wine; on the second day one of understanding the raw material (the […]

Following a three day training visit to Maremma/Bolgheri, Chianti Classico & Montalcino last week, below are their unedited impressions… Adrian Lancer (aka ‘Rocky’) ‘Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of the wines in the region. The prices compare favourably with wines from other areas of the Old World – it’s getting increasingly difficult […]

I kick off this year’s coverage of Italy’s harvest with Gianmario Cerutti picking his delicious 2011 Moscato. Under sunny skies and a welcome, if stiffening, breeze Gianmario chose to harvest this year’s crop a couple of weeks ahead of last year. The burning sun of the past three weeks had clearly left its mark on […]

Indeed it’s time to say ‘hi’ to  Berrys’ new Chianti, that  in the 2010 vintage comes to us courtesy of the fine Chianti Classico estate of Badia a Coltibuono. And to celebrate the occasion it’s even sporting a fresh new look; the crisp white label reflecting the bright vibrancy of the sapid Sangiovese fruit. Being […]