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Italians from Vernon Wines

Vernon Wines are an independent importer of single estate Italian wines, who operate from Vernon Yard in London, UK. They represent a number of interesting producers, including Castellare di Castellina (a Tuscan producer that will be familiar to those who follow the annual tre bicchieri awards dished out by Gambero Rosso), Le Calvane (another from Tuscany) and Francesco Spadafora (Sicily), to name just three. I think that probably the best known name on their books is Stefano Inama, star producer of Soave and Sauvignon Blanc in Veneto.

I recently tasted three wines from the Vernon Wines range. More information about these wines are available from Vernon Wines, who may also be contacted by telephone on 020 7221 2864. The wines were not tasted blind. (1/7/03)

Vernon Wines - The Tasting

Tasted in July 2003. Click for stockists.

Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene (Veneto) 2001: Nino Franco began producing sparkling wine from the indigenous Prosecco grape in Valdobbiadene in the 1920's, and his grandson Primo now continues the family business. This wine has a pale, limpid hue, with a fairly fine bead. A very fresh nose, with notes of baked apples, herbs and lemongrass. Good fresh mousse on the palate, with lemons, herbs and pepper flavours. Very delicate, light in body, although with a pleasant, elegant texture, cut through with a lean, acidic edge. 15.20 (£49 per 6, £98 per 12)

Inama Vulcaia Sauvignon del Veneto IGT (Veneto) 2000: Stefano Inama is one of the top names of Veneto, with ownership of a number of prime vineyard sites, including a section of vines in Monte Foscarino - Soave's top cru. Sauvignon Blanc, however, is one of his specialities. This wine has a moderate colour. It is ripe and rich on the nose, with some evidence of lees contact. There's a tropical character to the fruit, perhaps mango, with a touch of cream. A fat, weighty texture on the palate, a touch oily even, but with firm grip and fresh, juicy, citrus-like acidity. Mouth-filling, and with a firm, persistent length. Delicious stuff. 16.5/20 (£59.95 per 6, £119.90 per 12)

Casa Vinicola Carlo Botter 'Caleo' Nero d'Avola (Sicily) 2002: Carlo Botter is a forward-looking cantine, not averse to teaming up with importers to produce wines as joint ventures, that turns out good value drinkers from its location on Sicily, using native varieties. A synthetic cork. The wine itself has only a moderate depth of colour, with a ruby-garnet hue. Good aromas on the nose, which has spice and leather, with earthy, undergrowth-tinged roasted fruit. Smooth, nicely balanced, full, seeming quite mature on the palate despite its youth. Soft, ripe, low level tannin, Medium body, with some texture. The texture, which has a note of polyphenolic compounds, seems to be barrel influenced, which would explain the loss of colour. 15/20 (£32.80 per 6, £65.60 per 12)