The Wines
Italy is one of the most exciting wine producing countries in the world combining a profound respect for tradition with an innovative approach. A broad palette of climates, soils and over a thousand grape varieties produce wines made with passion and precision.
Italian wines are mean't to be drunk with food. No meal is complete without them and none taste at their best without lunch or dinner to accompany them. Careful consideration is given to the wines when compiling our menus.
Each of our locations showcase the indigenous wines and grapes of the region from a broad roll call of wine producers that include the justifiably well known and respected to the emerging and experimental, only united in their desire and ability to produce wines of quality and excellence.
A winery visit and back up information are all part of our commitment to quality wine. The following are examples of wineries that may be represented.
Italy
Tuscany
The grand houses of Antinori, Frescobaldi, Avignonese and Ricasoli at Brolio, the elegance of Selvapiana, the style of Felsina Berardenga. Chianti from the Classico, Rufina and Colli Senesi regions, Super Tuscans from Montellori.
Umbria
Exciting and innovative winemaking from a region that has realised the talent and ability to make red wines that rank among the best in Italy aligned with an unrivalled tradition of fine whites including Orvieto Classico. Wines from Salviano, Bigi, Pieve del Vescovo, Riccardo Cottarella, Tenuta Le Vellette.
Le Marche
An intriguing find in terms of grapes and producers, forging ahead proving that the region can not only keep up with, but also beat the big boys at their own game. Thankfully the days of big oak are over and the fashion for 'red' wines (as opposed to over extracted 'black' wines) is on the rise. Organic and bio dynamic are buzz words, and the flavours of the grapes are definitely 'in'. The Marchigiani are an industrious and curious lot, and while respecting tradition are also keen to set the pace.
Finding new and exciting ways with the regional workhorse white grape the Verdicchio; Style from La Monacesca, power and grace from Bucci, modernity from Umani Ronchi, and surprising aromatics from Bisci; Seductive Sauvignons from Ditajuti and refreshing sparklers from San Lorenzo.
Stunning, style conscious reds in the Rosso Piceno and Rosso Conero areas made with Sangiovese and cool Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Devoted Dylan fan Signor Terni at Le Terrazze makes Visions of J. and Planet Waves, as well the iconic Chaos and quintessentially Marchigiani Sassi Neri. Stefano Antonucci at Santa Barbera with wit and guile producing the full range including 'Maschio del Monte' (man of the mountain), and 'Er' so called because no name sprang immediately to mind…
The indigenous grapes of Pecorino from Velenosi, Passerina from Ciu Ciu (choo choo) and the truly unique high altitude red ' Lacrima del Morro D'Alba' from Boscareto with scents of violets and wild flowers. As well Brunello clones at Dezi, Syrah blended with Montepulciano at Fausti. How exciting.
Sicily
The quality explosion here in the last ten years has surpassed all expectations, from producing massive quantities to marvellous quality in a decade. The innovation and range of Cantine Settesole and Mandrarossa, panache from Planeta, Donnafugata, Spadafora, Marco de Bartoli and Villa Tonino.
Spain
Andalucia
Straw coloured Fino; pale Manzanilla with hints of sea spray; Amontillado with notes of hazelnut, wood, cream; dry Oloroso showing walnut, raisins, candied fruit, orange peel, dried figs, wood, caramel aromas; Pedro Ximenez capturing aromas of raisins accompanied by notes of coffee, caramel and ash; Palo Cortado a rare style of sherry very much appreciated by connoisseurs.
France
Gascony
Wines range from the robust vins de terroir of the Madiran and Cahors to the fragrant whites of the Jurançon and elegant Cabernets from Southern Bordeaux, and, of course, the angel’s digestif Armagnac from Chateau Laubade.