The winery of the historic family firm of Renato Ratti sits overlooking a magnificent sweep of vines, just on the edge of the town of La Morra. Sig. Ratti made a significant contribution to winemaking here, being first off the mark with the classification of the important single vineyards, the ‘cru’. The winery used to […]
Renato Ratti – history with a view Read More »
This estate was created in 1990 when Elvio Cogno decided to set up in his own name, having previously been part of an important partnership. It is now run by Walter Fissore and his wife Nadia (Elvio’s daughter) who showed us around this beautiful farm house (cascina) which serves as winery and home. It has
Elvio Cogno – a family winery in good health Read More »
Elio Grasso has 16 hectares in the Barolo area with spectacular views of Serralunga d’Alba. Mind you, you almost give the ghost before you arrive because, although it is just outside of Monforte d’Alba, to get to the estate you have to go three quarters the way around a hill to be facing nearly back
Elio Grasso: two styles of Barolo Read More »
Arriving in a famous wine area for the first time is wonderfully exciting. As you drive from the airport (in this case Turin), you pass through the neighbouring countryside which is flat as a pancake, if lying between the snow-covered Alps and the ‘ridges’ which give the Langhe its name. As you approach your destination
Landing in Piemonte Read More »
It’s not often that you have the privilege of welcoming a leading wine producer to your own home. But here’s a picture of Dennis Canute opening bottles in our little conservatory, know affectionately as the lean-to. Dennis co-founded the Rusden estate in the Barossa Valley, Australia, some years ago, initially as a hobby farm. He
Dennis Canute presents Rusden wines Read More »
Central London has been fortunate with new wine-related venues recently. Alongside the tremendous success of Terroirs, near Charing Cross, Bocca di lupo, a splendid restaurant with excellent Italian food and wine, is to be found in a side street near Piccadilly Circus. With both venues booking is pretty much essential – which tells you how
Bocca di lupo – a friendly wolf Read More »
I suppose it is inevitable that the wine trade will live on the hype about certain vintages. It was 1982 which made Robert Parker’s name when he declared it, early and correctly, to be a great vintage. 2000 was much promoted because it was the millennium and fortunately turned out pretty well and 2005 was
Something to celebrate: 1990 Read More »
There is something very satisfying about a proper case of wine. At one level it’s only a wooden box as opposed to the usual cardboard container but it spells promise – hopefully great wines and a bit of protection against life’s knocks. But above all it sends a signal – this is something special. This
Recent vintages of Langoa Barton Read More »
Tasting in situ is a dangerous business. Wines can taste so much better when you are in the winery, the sun is shining or if the proprietor is particularly persuasive. So, it is good to have the chance to re-taste wines in a more neutral setting, with a bit of distance and with the comparison
Campania in the glass in England Read More »
Wine in restaurants is a whole subject in itself. The obvious gripes are mark-ups and uninspiring choice. Some mark up is entirely reasonable – a restaurant rightly charges for the cost of holding stock, providing clean glasses, service and, sometimes, a knowledgeable and trained person. On the other hand, there is nothing more off-putting than
How to do wine in restaurants Read More »