Diana Thompson on Wine: Italy

On more than one occasion I have been asked why the blog doesn't contain a fourth column, Tom Drinks! There are a number of reasons. What do you think I am, a professional journalist? Putting together three columns a week is quite enough work, thank you.

But the main reason is quite simply that I don't have sufficient expertise. I do have a pretty decent palate, and a reasonably well filled wine cellar; however, day to day tends to be vin très ordinaire. And even that stuff ain't cheap anymore. Not so many years ago, our house red, a Primitivo from Puglia, was £8.50. The last time I was in Majestic, £13.50 to you, guv. From time to time, I fill up the lower shelves in the cave with better quality stuff, which I buy from Luvians in Cupar. (Ask for Stuart Easton and tell him Tom sent you.)

When I started using Luvians, after Stuart moved from Roseburn, fifteen quid would get you something way above average. No longer. And another thing. When the super rich from countries with no wine heritage moved in, the prices of the better known stuff sky rocketed. I was brought up in a house where, latterly, there might be bottle of wine once a week with the Sunday meal. Very generously my Dad (to my mother's horror) would let me have a taste. I was cutting my wine teeth on things like Gevrey Chambertin and Vosne Romanée. Second mortgage stuff these days.

So to fill the demand, Tom's Food! has turned to an expert. We have met Diana Thompson before, but she has now very kindly agreed to give us a quarterly article. I've also provided links about some forthcoming events. If you haven't been to any of them before, do give them a try. Educational, and great fun. Over to Diana.

A Taste of Italy

With blue skies and sunshine in Edinburgh as I write this, my thoughts immediately turn to wines that are made for relaxed, sociable summer drinking. Italy does this effortlessly well. From the rolling hills of Veneto to the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany, Italian wines are all about freshness, balance and, above all, how beautifully they work with food. They’re rarely overcomplicated, always full of character, and designed to be enjoyed - whether that’s a glass in the garden, a long lunch with friends or something simple midweek. So, for this issue, I’m shining the spotlight on a few Italian favourites that capture that easy, approachable style perfectly.

I Heart, I Love Prosecco DOC Rosé - Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Tesco from £9.25
Nothing too serious, just a lovely, easy-drinking Prosecco that’s perfect for sunshine. Delicate rose petals and tangy rhubarb are balanced by a touch of tropical fruit, finishing with soft, creamy bubbles. Great with a simple salad lunch too — just 10.5% ABV.

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Extra Dry - Lidl £7.99
A step up in quality, from the prized hills of Valdobbiadene this is a premium Prosecco at a cracking price. Ripe pear, white peach and citrus fruit combine with fine, persistent bubbles and a beautifully balanced, gently off-dry style. There’s a touch more elegance and length here, making it perfect as an aperitif, but also excellent with light seafood or antipasti.

Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi - Majestic from £9.50
Italy’s whites are often overlooked, yet there are some classic regional styles full of character. Verdicchio delivers just that - zesty lime, lemon and pink grapefruit alongside crunchy green apple, finishing with its hallmark hint of almond. Fresh, vibrant and incredibly food-friendly, it’s delicious with creamy sauces or BBQ salmon.

Villa Cafaggi Organic Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy - Waitrose £17
A classic Chianti smells and tastes like stepping into a Tuscan grocery store, and this is a great example. Bright red cherry fruit, hints of dried herbs, soft tannins and refreshing acidity give lovely balance. A perfect partner for pizza and a natural match for almost any Italian dish.

Date for your Diary

Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival

Saturday May 9 Assembly Rooms Edinburgh

Featuring Joe Wadsack of BBC TV's Food & Drink programme, there will be zillions of wines to sample, plus a series of masterclasses and guest speakers. Find out more about the Festival here. 

I've been to a few of these now, and can heartily recommend them.

For information about more of Diana's upcoming events check out her website www.wineeventsscotland.co.uk

 

On The Side will return in a fortnight