A return visit by the BBC to Richmond – nominated the best Neighbourhood Restaurant in 2016 by The Irish Times.
The party was slightly late placing our order (Sorry Dave!), so to expedite matters we again chose the Maretti which is a reliable blend of 70% Barbera and 30% Nebbiolo. This was the 2015 vintage and all agreed it was quite potable, though not exactly value at €37 a pop.
A competent meal, another satisfying evening in Richmond.
https://mcconkeywine.wordpress.com/tag/maretti/
The BBC visited the new Richmond Portobello Restaurant for the annual Christmas Dinner myself, Robbie, John and Ian took the Window table and chose this belter from the small but carefully curated wine list.
On presentation, it looked liked a classic French Pastis bottle which promised hints of liquorice and spice and the Maretti didn’t fail to deliver.
A super Barbera, this is a blend of 70% Barbera and 30% Nebbiolo, sourced from vineyards in the Barbaresco and Barolo terroirs.
Washed down my excellent gnocchi specially created by the head chef – our friend and occasional Golfing partner David O’Byrne – who dished up a super spread
All in all a great night; service, food and wine. Though perhaps we won’t sit in the Window again!
€11.49 Tesco
I am a big fan of the meaty, earthy style of Barbera which is the second most widely planted red in Italy after Sangiovese.
We offered this to Graham and Richard who visited us for a relaxed and fun Dinner.
All enjoyed this, mellow ripe fruit to match the food. Perhaps a little pricey.
From the largest Privately owned winery in Italy – Enoitalia Bardolino.
http://www.enoitalia.com/en/about-us.aspx
Another €10 offer from Tesco. “The Swallows”. We did.
& we enjoyed it: mellow meaty wine, 100% Barbera, lovely acidity.
The Producer’s co-op here
Cork closure.
From the Independent Fratelli bros winery: 100% Barbera from Asti. Production overseen by Massimo Marasso
Lesley liked this as much as I did: really good versatile Italian wine: mellow, meaty, fruity yet dry, cherries fruit and spice.
€10
McConkey Wine 