Chefs' Night Out 2013

Saturday 26th January once again saw Ricco teaming up with our friends at the Hardwick for the biennial "Chefs' Night Out" event in Cardiff. 

14 top chefs cooked for 140 guests who were treated to an evening of fine dining and fine wines.

With Stephen's distinctive, classic menu it was a simple task to match the wines and both received very positive feedback from the Hardwick's guests. A great endorsement for the latest additions to our list - Cantine De Gregorio from Sicily and Cantine Paradiso from Puglia and let's not forget Luciano's Albana Passito, as always a huge favourite!

It was a privilege to sponsor our good clients the Hardwick at such a prestigious and worthy event, overall during the evening £104,000 was raised for Ty Hafan children's hospice. Stephen Terry's auction alone raised £7,500.

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If like me the rain is making you feel a little grey, come and lighten your mood with a glass at Ricco or a bottle or two for home. Wine service at your home can be arranged with an invitation to lunch or supper...!

Shop open Thursday to Saturday 10am-8pm

Fine Art, Fine Wine, Fine Day!

A huge thanks to everyone who joined Ricco at Sophie Bartlett's private art viewing last Friday; an excellent exhibition of art with wonderful Italian wines, accompanied by a perfect English summers' day! A very pleasant evening for all our guests and really nice to see so many faces - old and new. 

A great collaboration between Ricco and Sophie, as part of the Hampshire Open Studio's project. 

Guests in the Ricco tent enjoyed a complimentary selection of our fine wines, including Serenissima Prosecco, San Tiziano Bianco, Caruso Rosso and other red and white wines. Of particular note, Le Fossette Falanghina, Cacc 'e' Mmitte, Capoposto, Le Morine Riserva, Terraferma and Albana Passito.

These were tasted alongside canapés and bites provided by Anne Moore of Plan B Catering, an excellent company based in Alton.

Amongst our most distinguished guests was Mr Peter Terry Esq, his brother Stephen (of the Hardwick) was unable to attend, but thankfully his better looking twin could!

Again, thanks to everyone who made it such a special event, especially; Anna, Emily, Abbey and Nicola for their splendid service of food and wine and a big thank you to Sophie for her hospitality and collaboration with Ricco - the beginning of a series of events to be held at Ricco combining fine art and fine wine. 

DIT 2012

This week Ricco were at Lords Cricket ground; has Trevor (finally!) been discovered as the worlds greatest Cricketer? No...although he did once have a beard to rival that of W.G. Grace.

Daniele and Trevor

Instead, we were at the Definitive Italian Winetasting 2012 to showcase a selection of our fine Italian Wines to an audience of Restaurateurs, hoteliers, wine merchants and journalists. Joining Trevor and Owain was Daniele Manfrini of Cantine Podere Belmantello - an excellent producer from Northern Puglia.

An immediate impact was made by a new wine to our list, Podere Belmantello's 'Nerodise' - a sparkling Rose' from 100% Nero di Troia grape. Steven Spurrier of Decanter Magazine described it as "a very well-made wine" which was "clean, refreshing and uplifting". We would go even further and say that this is the finest sparkling wine we have tasted for a good while; a great aperitivo and very versatile with food.

Overall this was a very good day for Ricco and the other wines that caught the attention of the professionals included; Salapia, Pignoletto, Secondopasso, Cacc'e' Mmitte and the Albana Passito.

We were very happy to have been visited by a number of our clients; Jonathan from Shardana, Andres and Marie-Lou from the Purefoy Arms, Preston Candover along with Stephen Terry and Ben Bedell of the Hardwick, Abergavenny.


Later, we enjoyed an excellent supper with Stephen and Ben at the Galvin "Bistrot de Luxe" in Baker Street. The whole experience here was truly refreshing; the food, ambiance and service were excellent. A real pleasure (and an affordable pleasure!) well done "Bistrot de Luxe", Ricco will definitely be back.

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.

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!

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!

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.