2011 Highlights

2011 has been a good year for Ricco; new customers, new wines and new staff.

The year started with successful visits to Italy - Tuscany, Le Marche, Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo. One particular memory was my visit to Setriolo (Tuscany) in the company of Silvia Formigli; our off-road, downhill journey in 4 inches of snow at 60mph was somewhat stressful. As she launched the car through snow-covered potholes she reassured me that she knew the track "like the back of my hand" and as such I was not to be concerned. Silvia's driving is something to be experienced, even on dry roads in the Summer - not for the faint hearted.


Spring saw the arrival of our "Visciola" a cherry-based dessert wine from Piergiovanni Giusti, as well as the Rosso Piceno from Cimarelli, both of which have proved very popular additions to our wine list.

In June Ricco was present with Shilling Communication at the Wintershall charity concert with guest appearances from Ronnie Wood, Roger Taylor, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and many others. Bit of a trip down memory lane for me. Later in that month Ricco hosted its Summer Exclusivo at Ricco HQ in the company of Luca Cimarelli, Luciano Zeoli, Piergiovanni Giusti and Domenico Di Marco.

During August we received Simone Grimaldi from the Piedmontese cantina of Bruna Grimaldi - producers of Barolo, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera. Soon to be found on Ricco's list! Later that month Simone was joined by his parents and sister, Martina. His stay of 5 weeks was a mutual pleasure and a good way to start a business collaboration.

In September and October Ricco was busy conducting several tastings both at Ricco HQ as well as at the Purefoy Arms, Preston Candover. We were also proud to supply the wines for Stephen Terry (of the Hardwick at Abergavenny) at the Chef's Night Out in Cardiff - a charity event hosted by 17 of Wales' top chefs. November saw the arrival of Alberto Longo from Puglia, whose wines Ricco have sold for several years. It was Alberto's first visit to us which culminated in a very successful tasting at the Hardwick.

The month of November was particularly busy for us a Ricco with a tasting at the Unicorn Inn, Heyshott, followed by Ricco being very happy to supply and serve the wines at Richard Buer's 50th Birthday Party at Chawton House - a great evening. The end of the month was dominated by our Winter Wine Tasting at Grayshott Village Hall, a very enjoyable and successful evening.

2011 ended with a very successful and busy December for Ricco Wines. We would to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and look forward to seeing you all again in 2012!

Check our website for all the dates for 2012 - soon to be uploaded.

Once again, thank you for your support and from all the team at Ricco, we wish you all a happy and prosperous 2012.

December @ Ricco

Well it’s nearly here now; have you considered your wines for the festive period? If not, log on pick up the phone, or come and see us at the shop!

We have tastings throughout December - every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas eve. A good chance to taste and leave with perfect wines for your menus and parties! To mention just a few, our Frizzante and Chloe Prosecco’s are perfect for aperitivo and many food combinations. The Gavi, Pignoletto andAlbana can cater for all the normal requirements of a white wine - Smoked Salmon, all fish and shellfish, vegetables and white meats.  Our Codronchio (a late harvest wine) derived from the Albana grape is just perfect for sashimi and carpaccio of fish, pasta with cheese - also perfect with the cheeseboard! A little ‘outside the box’ but try it, it really works.

A white with the Turkey?

Try our Giocheremo Con I Fiori, a 100% Pecorino, with fruit and acidity levels perfect for the flavour combinations  of traditional roast Turkey.

Reds?

For an easy drinking, highly versatile red wine why not try our Rosso Piceno from 60% Montepulciano and 40% Sangiovese. A little more complexity? Try our Le Morine, a top quality and well-rounded 100% Sangiovese. If you are having red meat this Christmas consider our Capoposto from 100% Negroamaro grapes, or Parco Marano from 100% Nero d’Troia.

Having game?

Seriously consider our Castaroto 2007, from a blend of Corvina, Oseletta, Raboso and Cabrusina.

For the cheese, well worth considering Rubbjano - 100% La Crima di Morro d’Alba, Renzo a Cabernet/Merlot blend from Bolgheri or Amarone Paverno.

Something for you sweeties?

AlbanaPassito - a dessert wine from 100% Albana. A real classic from Luciano Zeoli. If you want something really exclusive then you must have our Visciola, a rare and limited production wine made from white cherry, courtesy of winemaker Piergiovanni Giusti. At home with desserts of chocolate, cherry, biscotti, or just sip on its own with friends and family.

This is just a few of the wines that truly compliment Christmas and New Year. For more information on food/wine matching, come and visit us - we are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-8pm.  

Winter Wine Tasting - 26th November 2011

At our annual bash at Grayshott, Ricco were very lucky to have the company of a number of winemakers. On the Friday we received Sicilian winemakers; Remigio and Michela Candido, the wines of which Ricco will have on its list as from January. Two very distinctive whites from the Grillo and Inzolia grape varieties and two equally distinctive reds from Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Candido's were accompanied by Michela Basile (of Roman descent) now resident in Chelsea.

 The following day, the day of the tasting, Ricco welcomed two more familiar faces; Domenico Di Marco and Piergiovanni Giusti. After a Chloe Prosecco reception our 104 guests sat down for a 4 course meal and tasted 10 wines, including two of new wines of Candido, the 'Mucino' Bianco and 'Utru' Rosso.

Judging by customer reaction, the favourite wines of the night were; 'Chloe Prosecco', 'Pignoletto' a white wine from the Emilia-Romagna region, 'L'Intruso', the 'Utru' (a 50/50 blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet) and the ever popular Visciola - a rare cherry dessert wine from the cantina of Piergiovanni Giusti.



Our thanks to all of our customers and the winemakers for making it such a special evening.

Salute!

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.

Ricco's Winter Tastings

Heading towards the Christmas period, Ricco is set for a busy session of tastings.

On the 27th October Ricco is off to the The Purefoy Arms at Preston Candover for an evening with Hampshire's Women In Business group. Guests are set to enjoy a 2 course meal accompanied by a tasting of Ricco's Wines. The excellent food, ambiance and service found at The Purefoy is due to the husband and wife team of Andres (chef) and Marie-Lou (front of house), who have recently scooped Hampshire Life's Pub of the year 2011. A great country pub venue; so if you require good food, ambiance and some of Ricco's Wines I strongly suggest you pay them a visit.


Next, on the 29th of October Ricco will be at Munden House in Sherborne, Dorset; A hen party will enjoy Trevor's undivided attention for a lunchtime tasting of Ricco's Wine. A top quality Bed and Breakfast owned and personally run by two of Trevor's great friends, Colin and Annie. For a quiet, quality break, Munden House is perfect - as is Colin's front of house and Annie's cooking! A good range of Ricco Wines can be found on the wine list here.


November begins with a trip across the border to Welsh Wales on the 8th, for an Italian wine tasting and supper at the Hardwick at Abergavenny. Accompanied by winemaker Alberto Longo, Trevor will present five of Alberto's wines, accompanying a superb five course Italian menu, courtesy of chef / owner Stephen Terry ably assisted by his wife Jo. The whole team here are rightfully very proud of their achievements and it is venue that I personally find very difficult to leave.


The 18th of November finds Ricco at the Unicorn Inn, Heyshott. New to Ricco, the Unicorn commands a good reputation locally for its food, wine and hospitality. Head chef, nicknamed 'Bird' will provide a tasting menu to match Ricco's Wines. Tickets are available, call 01730 813486 for more information. We look forward to being there.

Topping off November Ricco will be hosting its annual Winter Wine Tasting on Saturday 26th of November at Grayshott Village Hall. As always, guests will enjoy a sit-down four course meal, preceded by a Prosecco reception and then a tasting of 10 red and white wines, in the company of guest wine makers. A great chance to catch up on some new wines and vintages, a perfect occasion to stock up for Christmas and New Year - a 5% discount will be offered on purchases of 12 or more bottles. Tickets are £27.50 per person and are available from our shop on 01730 894751 or Email trevor@riccowines.com.

On the 10th and 17th of December (10am-8pm), Ricco invites customers to join us for an informal tasting of our range of wines; wines for your Christmas and New Year, gifts and advice for perfect food and wine matching - achieve top marks, even from the mother-in-law!

Early greetings for the season,

Trevor and the team at Ricco.

Chefs' Night Out 2011

Ricco and the Hardwick join forces in Cardiff
 

Last Saturday Ricco once again joined forces with our friends at the Hardwick for Chefs' Night Out 2011 - an annual charity event to raise money for Ty Hafan childrens' hospice. An evening attended by 17 of the top chefs of Wales, each cooking for a table of 10 paying guests, it was clearly an honour for Ricco to supply the wines for the Hardwicks' table.
After a Champagne reception, the guests were sat at their tables to begin their evening of quality food and wine. Stephen Terry, accompanied by head chef Chris and front of house team Jo Terry and Daria Hoffman of the Hardwick, presented a fantastic 4 course menu, each complimented by one of Ricco's excellent Italian Wines.

Starter was Buffalo Mozzarella on Focaccia Bruschetta with fried, minced Wild Boar, Sicilian Olive Oil, chilli, parsley and capers. This we paired with our “Cerasuolo” Rosato Montepulciano D’Abruzzo D.O.C 2010.

A fish course of poached native lobster and heritage potato salad with baked amalfi Lemon, locally foraged sea shore greens and Caviar, for this we chose the “Codronchio” Albana di Romagna D.O.C.G. 2009.

For the meat course, of roast Veal chop with fried smoked anchovies, polenta ‘chips’, Stem Artichokes, salsa verde, Black Olives, rocket and Parmesan, the guests were spoiled with Fausto’s “Mazzamurello” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo D.O.C. 2007 - what a response and great combination!

Last but not least, a dessert of late Summer fruit pudding, what else could we choose than our “Visciola” Dolce Dalla Tradizione Marchigiana. A cherry wine of limited production and availability - certainly not lost on Stephens’ guests.

Stephen and Chris joined the table and were refreshed with a glass of Althea Cartizze Prosecco to meet their diners and witness the Chef’s auction, during which more than £90,000 was raised for Ty Hafan Hospice.

Ricco was incredibly proud to be involved in such a wonderful evening and we wish to thank and congratulate all of the Chef’s and organisers for making it such a special event - special enough to entice Trevor to wear a tie! (see picture for evidence!)

Salute' Wales!

Watch this space...

The Grimaldi's Join Ricco For Lunch

I first tasted the wine of Bruna Grimaldi at Villa Borghesi in the Frascati region, just south of Rome during May 2006. With good memories of Bruna and Franco's wine we are delighted to have their son, Simone, here with us at Ricco. During a short break to London, we were happy to receive them for a tasting lunch at my ex-wife Sophie's house in East Tisted (its a long story). Thanks to Simon and Suzie at the the Hawkley Inn, the Grimaldi's enjoyed an excellent aperitivo of English Beer. On then to lunch, where we enjoyed another aperitivo of Althea Cartizze Prosecco and four top quality red wines of Bruna Grimaldi.

With our starter of mixed antipasti, we tasted their Nebbiolo d'Alba 2009 and also the Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2009. This was followed by a main of braised shoulder of Lamb, with which we drank two Barolo's; Camilla 2007 followed by Bricco Ambrogio 2007. Both were also enjoyed with a selection of English and Italian cheeses. We returned to the Cartizze for desserts of roast Peaches and Chocolate salami.

We say 'Watch this space', as it is highly likely that fairly soon the wines of Bruna Grimaldi will be sold by Ricco. We found all four wines to be highly regional in style and of excellent quality. Unlke many Barolo's which mask the true quality of the Nebbiolo grape, these wines truly expressed the very individual character of this sometimes difficult grape variety.

Nebbiolo d'Alba is rarely found at the quality of this 2009, a very versatile food wine. The Barbera d'Alba Superiore has all the character and drinkability of this very likeable grape variety. This 2009 is drinking now, but will age perfectly - well done Franco and Bruna. All in all, a wonderful day was spent with Franco and Bruna and their children Simone and Martina, our thanks to them for bringing the good weather with them -for one day at least.

Friends of Ricco - Munden House

Munden House, Luxury B&B

Having known Colin and Annie for 10 years it was a pleasant surprise to hear of their new venture at Munden House, a beautiful collection of old farm cottages just 3 or so miles from the Dorset town of Sherborne. As well as excellent accommodation, Colin and Annie can provide you with a great venue for a family party, small wedding or gathering.

Together they provide a warm and personal service and during a stay here you would be wise to take advantage of Annies' delicious home cooking. Utilising the freshest local produce, Annies' constantly rotating menu wont fail to please.

The quality of the food at Munden is complimented perfectly by Colins' wine list, providing excellent matches for Annies' food; wines of interest, versatility and exclusivity. From this concise list, Colins' expert choice of wines can accommodate anything - from an aperitivo on the patio, to a superb desert wine to share with your friend, partner or lover.

From £95 to £140 per room, (including breakfast), Colin and Annie provide a warm, hospitable and relaxing experience. A perfect location from which to explore the coast and hinterland of Dorset and Ricco are very proud to be associated with them.

Friends of Ricco - The Hardwick

The Hardwick at Abergavenny

Having dealt with the Hardwick for upwards two years, it’s always a pleasure to deliver wine to this top restaurant - Michel Roux Jr's favourite in Wales! Nestled in the rolling hills just two miles from Abergavenny, this restaurant (with accommodation) sources locally produced ingredients of the highest quality and is owned by Stephen and Jo Terry. Stephen won his first Michelin star aged 25 and at the Hardwick has created a restaurant of genuine quality, hospitality and inspiration. From a well-chosen menu, bolstered by an equally knowledgeable wine list, Stephen and his team have created an absolute gem with the Hardwick.

In a nutshell, if you are in this area and wanting good food, some great Italian Wine (from Ricco of course) and perhaps accommodation, a visit here is a must. Since supplying the Hardwick I have even been able to overcome the emotional trauma of the Welsh occasionally beating the English at Rugby.

A recent highlight was the experience of Stephens' rump of Lamb with Black Olive Gnocchi, accompanied by a glass of Piergiovanni Giusti's L'Intruso - one of our wines to be found on Stephen’s wine list.

Ricco's Winemaker of the Month: Piergiovanni Giusti

Piergiovanni Giusti is a man of considerable warmth and humour. Married with a wife and three children, he is deeply rooted to the culture and wine making traditions of Le Marche. In his company his presence and wit are infectious and the hospitality of the Giusti's is of the highest quality - the food is well worth a detour, salute!

Based in Le Marche, the winery of Piergiovanni specialises in the wines of La Crima di Morro D'Alba. This is an ancient, red grape variety particular to the sub-zone of Morro D'Alba, producing wines of great character and quality and of a style of its own.

Cantina Giusti produce several styles from this remarkable grape variety:

The base La Crima for everyday drinking - brilliant with salami, terrines, all meats and game and meat based pasta.

Rubbjano - a complex, full bodied red wine that has an intense bouquet of rose petals and brambles, mouth filling fruit on the palate and long aftertaste, perfect for a Sunday roast, lasagne or cheese. My preference here would be semi-mature goats cheese.

L'Intruso is a wine of 40% La Crima D'Morro D'Alba, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Montepulciano and 10% Merlot, and is named 'The intruder' because of the 10% Merlot included in this simply stunning, very drinkable medium bodied wine. Good bouquet and an abundance of soft fruits and tannins - we have never had such a response to a wine.

For someone with a sweeter tooth Piergiovanni hasn't forgotten you, Bollanera - a semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine of just 8-9% alcohol, just perfect for a summer pudding, tiramisu, oven baked peaches or even as an aperitivo! But for a more complex dessert, the La Crima Passito is simply brilliant, or just sip on its own at the end of a meal.

The Giusti cantina will be one of the wineries that we will visit with Ricco in our forthcoming wine tours.

Taste of Italy Weekend

Corks popped, wine flowed and orders rushed in as Ricco hosted its annual Taste of Italy event last weekend.

With more than 40 top quality wines available to taste and plenty of thirsty customers, it's no surprise that demand was high and we are now busy restocking the cellar!

Alongside the wine, customers also had a choice of food - Mary's biscotti and Valeriana's Ciabatta were joined by authentic cheeses, pasta, Olive oil and premium balsamic vinegar.

On Sunday we were very pleased to be joined by Jonathan and Roberto from Shardana, (top of Guildford High St) - authentic Italian food and great ambiance, Ricco recommends a visit!

Thanks to all that attended, we enjoyed it immensely and it was great so see such a good turn out - we will announce the winners of the competition shortly.

Off to the bottle bank now, followed by supper and a glass of Mazzamurello

Thanks again,

Trevor.


P.S. Watch this space with regards to our planned wine tours to Italy - looks like Florence for the first trip!

July with Ricco Wines

Our English summer is here, and with it some sure hits from Ricco for your garden party or barbeque (or lunch indoors when the rain comes) with friends, family; Wines that will satisfy even the most demanding mother in law.

As an aperitivo, served with antipasti: Althea's Frizzante Prosecco. Being semi-sparkling, clean, crisp and dry, it's a perfect beginning for any occasion. Our friend Marika (from Althea) considers it the perfect remedy to British reserve.

Something for a problem menu, meat? Fish? Vegetables? Torre Dei Beatti's Rose-ae Cerasuolo is a perfect match for a problem menu and nothing like those insipid, pale imitation Rosé wines you will find on a supermarket shelf. Cerasuolo is a Rose with attitude and class.

For your White choice – Il Palagione’s Hydra Vernaccia di san Gimignano, is a wine of ample fruit and complexity, matched with good levels of acidity and a good clean aftertaste. A very food friendly wine.

From the Colli Senesi region of Chianti, also from Il Palagione comes this fine example of an everyday drinking style of Chianti. Caelum is a medium bodied wine with good levels of fruit and finished with rounded tannins - A perfect match with all meats (barbequed or roasted) and rounded enough to accompany some fish dishes (grilled Sardines, Mackerel, Salmon etc.) A very regional style of Chianti and very drinkable.

Ricco are fully licenced, so why not come for a glass at Ricco HQ, here at Plestor House?

Happy Drinking, if you have nobody nice to eat and drink with this summer give Trevor a call on 01730 894751.

Trevor

PS. Having Chocolate or seasonal Cherries? Our Visciola Cherry wine from Pergiovanni Giusti, served straight from the fridge is simply sensational! With the above, or simply to sip on its own with your favourite guest - don’t forget my number.