Alberto @ the Hardwick

Earlier this week Ricco had the pleasure of welcoming one of our wine makers, Alberto Longo from Puglia in the heel of Italy.

Arriving on a damp English Monday, Alberto visited Ricco's outlet before enjoying a lunch at the Spread Eagle, but found warm English beer a challenge! Later in the day we dined with Roberto and Lorenzo at Bar Centro, Guildford; we enjoyed a very good calamari fritti followed by risotto con tartufo. The tartufo (truffle) being English, from a nearby woodland - the location of which Roberto wouldn't disclose. We finished with a trio of desserts: chocolate panna cotta, tiramisu and semifreddo. Another good evening at Bar Centro.

Alberto having been accommodated overnight at the Hawkley Inn (very comfortable indeed), we set off the for the Hardwick in Abergavenny. Usual warm welcome from the team at the Hardwick and we set about arranging the Italian evening, a tasting of 5 of Alberto's wines, accompanying a 5 course Italian tasting supper.

The evening was ably assisted by the quality of Stephen Terry's food and the instant rapport between Stephen and Alberto - each being masters of their craft. In all a very successful evening at the Hardwick, much enhanced by the warmth and generosity of Stephen's staff.

Alberto and I were lucky enough to share a table with 2 of the Hardwick's suppliers, Amanda Stradling of Veggies Galore - supplier of organic vegetables and flowers to the Hardwick and Pasquale - an 83 year old Italian originating from Campania, supplier of soft-fruits and highly talented accordion squeezer.

I returned Alberto to Heathrow the following morning to witness a very Italian confrontation between Alberto and the Al Italia check-in staff, words and hands in full flight!

Sad to see Alberto leave after such a successful and rewarding visit, thanks Alberto!

Tasting With The Hens

On Saturday Trevor was lucky enough to be invited to Munden House, Sherborne to run a tasting for a Hen Party of 14 very lovely ladies!

Alongside Annie's food we tasted 5 of Ricco's fine Italian wines; Chloe Prosecco, Albana di Romagna, Giocheremo Pecorino, Sangiovese di Romagna, L'Intruso and Visciola. All were very well received, but after a show of hands, the Chloe was declared the winner - a great example of a dryer style of Prosecco from the Althea cantina.

Not only was this group a great pleasure to be with, but I was highly impressed with the diversity and quality of their collective palate. The views and feedback made this a truly thought-provoking and special tasting for me, highlighting once again the individuality and excellence of modern Italian Wine.

Colin and Annie's presence and level of service make Munden House a very warm and intimate environment, spoiling quests with their attention and quality of accommodation. The package is rounded off with fantastic food, wine (sourced from Ricco) and a wonderful location - Ricco highly recommend a visit.