The wine world is big. And though I have been drinking wine in earnest for a long time, there are some bits that are new to me. These are the first two Ligurian wines I’ve drunk (Liguria is in the far west of Italy, down on the Mediterranean coast, near the French border). They’re full of interest, made by leading producer Bruna.
Bruna Pulin Rosso 2011 IGT Colline Savonesi, Italy
14% alcohol. A blend of 55% Granaccia (Grenache), 40% Syrah and 5% Barbera, grown on rocky calcareous soils in the hills of Savona, and aged for 13 months in old French oak. 1800 bottles made. Fresh, pure, aromatic cherry and raspberry nose is quite elegant. The palate is generous, pure and supple with lovely freshness and purity, and there’s a peppery edge to the red fruits, with a hint of liqourice. Youthful and primary, but with potential. 92/100 (£19.99 Red Squirrel Wines)
Bruna ‘u Baccan’ Pigato 2011 DOC Riviera Ligure di Ponente, Italy
13.5% alcohol. From 50+ year old Pigato vines (aka Vermentino). Taut, savoury, herb-scented nose with wax and lemons. Smells fresh – almost marine. The palate is light bodied and mineral with fine spices and green herbs and intensely lemony fruit. Remarkable and distinctive, yet subtle in its charms. Repays attention, and will age well. 93/100 (Red Squirrel Wines)
Not tried a red from Liguria, at least not to my knowledge!
If you liked the Pigato, then look out for Laura Ashero’s wines, Tre Bicchieri winner and consistently excellent whites. Enotria bring them in to the Uk so should be widely available
A friend of mine is bringing some U Baccan around for dinner – do you have any recommendations on what food would go well with it? Thanks!
Ha! Hello Hatty, glad to see you taking this so seriously 😉