ITALY - LOMBARDY
CANTINA DE MEZZALUNA.............................................................................................................www.cantinedimezzaluna.it
Mezzaluna is situated high on the hillside of Montalto Pavese where the Doria sisters are responsible for making a charming range of exquisite wines. The estate is run on the basis of integrated agriculture, a system which ensures that only farming methods and fertilisers which do not alter the composition of the vineyards and the surrounding area are used. This respect for the natural environment is symptomatic of the careful and sensitive approach to wine production that informs all the processes of winemaking in the Mezzaluna winery.
Cantina de Mezzaluna is a champion of traditional indigenous varietals such as Barbera, Bonarda and Pinot Grigio whilst the splendid aspect and siting of the vineyards have also enabled the winemakers to craft some exceptional Riesling and a sumptuous Vigna Ruga, an ageworthy blend of Cabernet and Merlot. Both the Bonarda and the Vigna Ruga were awarded Bronze in the International Wines and Spirits Competition 2008. We are proud to represent a winery with such a strong range of well-crafted, eye-catching wines.
Whilst it is the red wines of which Mezzaluna is perhaps most proud, it is inevitably the Pinot Grigio which will catch the eye. Sales of Pinot Grigio in the UK remain strong: as an aperitif it is easy-drinking and enjoyable so it has unsurprisingly become a central component of most successful wine lists.
New this year are the lightly sparkling Biancovivace and Rossovivace, both light and approachable in style and an interesting addition to any wine list since they will attract good sales in the summer months.
Pinot Grigio DOC 2009
Bright pale straw in colour and showing both golden and copper tones, the bouquet of this superb Pinot Grigio is elegant and fairly intense with fruity, floral scents.
The wine is well-stuctured and balanced, with a dry finish of pleasant persistence.
Riesling DOC 2009
With greenish tones and a bright yellow straw colour, Mezzaluna's Riesling is fruity, fragrant and delicately aromatic. Full-bodied and slightly dry, this is a wine perfect with fish-based pasta dishes.
Plenty of engaging flavour and a satisfying finish.
Bonarda DOC 2007
Displaying a strong ruby red colour with violet or reddish-purple tones, the wine's bouquet is fine, intense and clean, with marked fruity notes of almond and forest fruits.
This award-winner is made as a single varietal wine although it can still also be produced using 80-88% mixed vintage croatina grapes and the remainder vespolina grapes.
Vina Massone IGT 2005.
On the nose, there are hints of violet and morel from this bright, intense and ruby red wine.
Full-bodied and dry with a pleasing balance of acidity and tannins, this superb wine develops greater complexity through ageing. Perfect with red meats and particularly good with roasts.
Biancovivace 2009
A pale straw colour with an intense fresh and fruity bouquet, there are notes of golden apple on the nose of this lightly sparkling wine which is hugely popular in this region of Italy.
The taste is fresh and elegant with excellent persistence contributing to a lovely, clean finish on the palate. This lightly sparkling wine is a perfect accompaniment to meat and fish starters, as well as delicate pasta and fish dishes.
Rossovivace 2009
Mezzaluna's lovely Rossovivace is a lightly sparkling red wine with an intense bright ruby red colour and a seductie bouquet which is fruity and vinous with hints of morel and violet.
The taste is full and dry with a slightly acidic and tannic length. Perfect with cheese and salami hors d'oeuvres, pasta dishes with meat sauces, grilled vegetables and white meats.
Spumante Brut DOC
This lovely sparkling Pinot Nero, superbly presented with a stylish label, has an intense bouquet which is fresh and fruity with notes of golden apple.
The taste is fresh, elegant and tasty with excellent persistence. Serve with meat and fish starters, delicate pasta and fish dishes, or with hors d’oeuvres.
Lords Wines Unit 8 Valley Court Sanderson Way Middlewich Cheshire CW10 0GF