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!