A couple of highly rated Italians, a Barolo and a Verdicchio di Metalica. Each produced by a cooperative

A couple of highly rated Italians, a Barolo and a Verdicchio.

Each produced by a cooperative.

Enzo Bartoli Barolo (DOCG) 2019, 13.5% ABV

€22.50 (reduced from 28.50) at Dunnes Stores

Made by “the most humble man from the hills of Piedmont”. Or maybe not!

Wax seal over cork. Medium garnet with the lightning expected at its age. Aromas are fruity and spicy. A super mix of flavours in the mouth with amazing structure from 38 months of ageing. With its strong tannins and lively acidity, it is superbly balanced. Very Highly Recommended.

Enzo, the most humble man from the hills of Piedmont, who devoted his life to finding and cultivating the perfect soil to produce the finest fruit from the vineyards at the foot of the mountain and handcrafting wines that reflect the majesty of Piedmont, is not a real person! Just the character that represents the region and its wine production.

Nebbiolo, the grape for Barolo and Barbaresco

But there is little else left to the imagination. Nebbiolo, the Barolo grape,  has been cultivated here since the 13th century, and Barolo has flourished since the 19th century….  “After centuries of experience, Barolo wines are as close to perfection as is possible…” according to VINI.

Food Pairing

With its intense tannins and lively acidity, Barolo is a terrific food wine. It is ideal with roasted meats, aged cheese, and white truffles from Alba (if you’re lucky). It is recommended to open two hours before serving at room temperature between 18-20° C. Note that the cork of this rather squat bottle is sealed with a wax coating, easily removed with a blade on your waiter’s friend.

Wine Folly advises seeking dishes with higher fat content and creams or cheeses to counteract the intense tannin. “Dishes like truffle risotto or butternut ravioli are a revelation.” Wine-Searcher.com says it “can handle dishes with richness and fat. Slow-cooked lamb shanks, braised beef cheeks, and aged cheeses such as Parmigiano or gouda will pair well.”

All you have to do now is check out your local Dunnes and keep an eye out for offers!

Belisario “Valbona” Verdicchio di Metalica (DOC) 2022, 12.5% ABV

€16.95 at Bradleys 

This 100% Verdicchio is pale lemon in colour, with a lovely aromatic and clean bouquet of acacia, complemented by a hint of honey. Surprisingly full-bodied, it shows great balance between its crisp green apple character and the richer honey and lemon flavours. The finish is dry and vibrant. Very Highly Recommended.

Cantine Belisario is a 300-hectare cooperative winery in the Matelica DOC, Marche, where the only permitted grape is Verdicchio. The co-op boasts 24 organically farmed vineyards, inland from the Castelli di Jesi DOC, where the climate is more continental. Here, the combination of warm days and cool nights extends the growing season, allowing the grape’s aromatics to develop. As a result, harvest occurs as late as the second half of October. Grapes for their ‘Terre di Valbona’ are planted in vineyards between 350 and 450 metres above sea level.