Guerrieri Rizzardi ~ Tacchetto Bardolino Classico DOP 2017

The story

Good Bardolino is hard to find in the UK; I think the Italians must keep it all to themselves. But this single-vineyard Bardolino Classico from one of my favourite Italian producers, Guerrieri Rizzardi is superb.And I'm not alone in thinking that - it wone Best Bardolino at the International Wine Challenge 2018.

Produced from the same grape varieties as Valpolicella, in this instance 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella and 10% Merlot, this is a lighter, fruitier version - and better than some basic Valpolicellas. It is completely unoaked with fermentation and short ageing taking place in stainless steel tanks in order to preserve the fruit-forward character of the wine.

According to the producer "The unique soil of the single vineyard Tacchetto allows for a more structured, complex Bardolino." The complexity of this wine starts on the nose with Corvina bringing  black cherry aromas but also acidity and elegance. Rondinella adds floral notes to the aromas and Merlot softens the wine. It's a lovely fruity light red wine.

"A Single Vineyard wine which is only produced by Guerrieri Rizzardi. The grapes come from the Tacchetto vineyard which sits at the base of the glacial Adige valley near the village of Cavaion.

This vineyard has its own unique terrain and conditions with small stones and calcareous rock, a breezy, airy location and is well known for the quality of its fruit. This single vineyard wine is rich in perfume of black cherry and has a characteristic spicy bouquet reflecting the fresh character of unoaked Corvina and Merlot."