The annual SuperValu Italian wine event began yesterday and will continue until June 8th. There will be up to 80 wines on offer. I tasted my way through a dozen or so wines, that will only be available during the sale. “These represent some excitement for the customer and allow them to delve into wines that might otherwise be out of reach,” wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan says.
Italian wines now represent 14 per cent of SuperValu wine sales, an increase from 3% when O’Callaghan joined the company in 2008. Much of that is due to the popularity of Pinot Grigio and Prosecco, but they are very proud that red wines now have a greater share than either white wines or sparkling.
O’Callaghan has a warning for wine lovers though. “The world of wine is in a state of flux far greater than during the pandemic – it is the most dramatic in my 30 years in wine, with a real shortage of wine, and also simple items such as paper for labels and tin for screwcaps.”
As well as the wines below, I enjoyed two wines from Castello Banfi, a Rosso di Montalcino (€18, down from €27) and the Belnero 2017 (€20 down from €30), a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Both are firmly tannic and need food, ideally red meat or firm cheeses to show at their best. The Altygo Piemonte 2019 (€12 down from €17.99) is a rich fruit-filled red, and the sparkling Acquesi Asti Spumante (€12 down from €17.99), which comes in a very stylish decorated bottle, is full of sweet floral fruits, and is a mere 7% alcohol.
Cortezza Vermentino di Toscana 2020
€10, reduced from €15
A very attractive well-priced wine with lightly textured peach and pineapple fruits, and good refreshing citrus acidity. A nice sipping wine but this would be great with summery salads and vegetables such as fennel, courgettes, asparagus with herbs and olive oil.
Monte del Frà Corvina Veronese 2019
€12, reduced from €17.99
Nicely perfumed with ripe blueberry and dark cherry fruits, underpinned by an earthy spicy note. A lovely summery wine. Try this with cold meats, charcuterie and soft cheeses.
