The buying team has recently spent some time tasting the new 2016 vintages of many of our Greek and Italian wines. Wow – this looks like it has been a brilliant vintage (especially for whites). I cannot remember the last time I got so excited about Italy – and Steve has gone into raptures when looking at both countries.
“I am thrilled to say that 2016 ranks as one of the greatest white wine vintages I have seen,” Steve Daniel says.
In order to whet your appetites, here are some tasting notes from the team:
Steve Daniel, tasting Greece:
“Greek wines get better every year I taste them as the winemakers continue to improve and further understand their vineyards, but without doubt the 2016 vintage is something truly special. The year was a cool one by Greek standards and the white wines are amazing. Both Yiannis at Gaia Wines and Vangelis at Ktima Gerovassiliou state the whites from 2016 are the greatest wines they have made to date. All producers report the same quality.
“The wines combine power, perfume and finesse. I expect to see a flurry of awards and high marks from Parker etc. in the coming months.”
Steve Daniel, tasting Italy:
“Colomba Bianca was launched last year on the 2015 vintage and the acceptance of the wines was universal and the wines have been great. In the 2016 vintage the wines have taken a quantum leap in quality. The wines are rich and aromatic at the same time, and have incredible length and complexity for the price points.
“Ca’Rugate has been winning Tre Bicchieri awards for their Soaves 
for years and are one of the top estates in the region. The 2015s were excellent examples but once again the 2016 whites are at another level.”
San Silvestro, Cortese del Piemonte DOC ‘Adelasia’ 2016
“I was completely blown away by the quality of this wine. This year the wine has amazing fruit and intensity and it really is a Gavi buster. The best vintage I have seen of this wine. As a fantastic alternative to Chablis, there has never been a better time to drink this kind of intense, mineral-driven wines.”
Jim Wilson, tasting Italy:
Colomba Bianca, Grillo ‘Vitese’ 2016
“Lovely clean rich and spicy nose – a wine which begs you to taste! White peaches and black pepper on the palate. Looks good and tastes great!”
San Marzano, Verdeca Puglia IGP ‘Talo’ 2016
“Beautiful fresh flowery nose, intense, touches of lemon zest, perfumed and unusually full. Wonderful balance of acidity and flavour. Very long on the finish. A real eye opener.”
San Silvestro, Cortese del Piemonte DOC ‘Adelasia’ 2016
“Like Steve, I found this wine stunning. I have to admit I’ve never 
really been a fan, but this was drinking quite beautifully. Huge depth of fruit, hay and flowers on the palate, wonderful balance on the finish. Better by far than a number of Gavis’.”
Ca Rugate, Soave Classico DOC San Michele 2016
“Gorgeous nose, soft appley fruit overladen with hazelnut and a hint of cream. Amazing intensity and depth. Long finish. Everything a really good Soave should be.”
Get in touch with your Account Manager to try these wines and if any knock your socks off, let us know!