Tasting Notes
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 - the 2017 of which I have 4 bottles left won Best Bardolino at the International Wine Challenge 2018. This 2018 is very similar. If you order this wine, I'll email you to see if you would like the 2017 included in your order.
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.
Food Pairing
The producer suggests consuming this wine with seafood, pasta or roasted white meats - I am told on good authority that it's a treat with roast chicken.
Producer's Notes
"The 2018 has benefitted from an extended period of maturation in new lined concrete tanks giving this Tacchetto more depth and making it seem more rounded and silky in texture than ever before. We are very happy with the results.
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."
Awards
Due Bicchieri Rossi (effectively better than very good but not quite extraordinary) Gambero Rosso 2021
