Wine with Leslie: Intriguing tastes of Nebbiolo
I adore the scents, flavours and textures to be found in even modest bottles of wine, and of course in great wines from say Burgundy, Bordeaux and Piedmont (to name just three of my favourite regions).
What inspired this column was a fragrant and fruit-driven Nebbiolo di Langhe in Lidl this month as part of their Italian celebration.
Given that my last two columns covered southern Italy, I decided I needed to give other countries a chance, so I have chosen two other wines that offer similar pleasures.
Nebbiolo is rarely a bargain and this is because it is such a difficult variety to manage.
Nebbiolo is picky about the soil it is planted in, it is the first variety to bud but also the last to ripen (usually mid-October).
It needs a long growing season with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soils so it is particularly suited to Piedmont.
You will find examples in Australia, California and almost every new world region, but none have come close to recreating the complex aromas and flavour profile of the wines of Piedmont.
Nebbiolo can have scents of violets, cherry and plums but also tar, ink, and cold tea.
The best Barolo and Barbarescos are fragrant, elegant and enticing, but also much more grippy and structured than you would expect from such a beguiling aroma.
I'm also recommending a Spanish Mencía which can also offer intrigue and complexity, but is generally a more easy drinking wine.
And of course I had to include a Bourgogne Pinot Noir which is all about the seductive scents matched with structure and acidity; even Riedel recommend the same glass for both wines.
There are finer Bourgognes to try, but this one is a good place to start.
Santenzo Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont; €10.99
Santenzo Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont; €10.99
Lidl
This has to be the best value Nebbiolo in the country and is one of number of good Italian wines in Lidl this month (also look for Fiano and the Riccardi Chianti Colli Senesi).
Blackcurrant and dark plum fruits with a touch of ink, fruity and ripe with noticeable weight and texture.
Tannins are present, but they are integrated and overall this is quite the charmer.
Brezo de Gregory Perez, Bierzo, Spain; €21
Brezo de Gregory Perez, Bierzo, Spain; €21
MacCurtain Wine Cellar; Sheridans Dublin and Galway
Mencía has similar molecular properties to black truffles, they say, and matches them brilliantly, as does Nebbiolo.
Mencía offers scents of violets and lively ripe fruits such as blackberry and cherry, but also an earthy tone.
This is one of my favourites, with pastille aromas, supple and layered fruits, but with a lightness of touch and lingering red and black fruits.
Louis Jadot Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, France; €32-33
Louis Jadot Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, France; €32-33
JJ O'Driscolls; La Touche; Molloys; O'Briens
Pinot Noir is an obvious grape to compare to Nebbiolo and this Bourgogne version is even somewhat affordable; Jadot are big but they are consistent.
Bright cherry-strawberry aromas with a hint of earth; supple, textured and lingering tangy red fruits.
O'Driscolls also stock the excellent Two Paddocks & Two Picnics Pinot from NZ, both made by Sam Neil (yes, that Sam Neil).
Beer of the Week
8 Degrees Brewing 'Full Irish' Single Malt IPA, 6% ABV, 440ml €3.75
8 Degrees Brewing 'Full Irish' Single Malt IPA, 6% ABV, 440ml €3.75
Bradleys; Matsons; Tesco; Independents; eightdegreesbrewing.ie
I first tasted this in 2014 (initially for a festival but soon brought into the core range) but have not featured it here.
From Irish grown barley malted in Cork, but using New World hops (simcoe, cascade, citra and amarillo).
As expected from those hops this is a hop-bomb, packed with lime and lychee fruits but with a good hit of malt on the mid palate. Perfect summer drinking.
Read More
Wine with Leslie: Deep reds to savour from my Italian excursion
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit takes boyfriend to ‘height of British culture' holiday after fancy Venice trip – by going to Barry Island
WHEN it comes to romantic getaways most will consider Paris and Santorini, but one took their partner on a trip to Wales. After going on a romantic escape to Venice with his boyfriend, Ross Whyatt decided to return the favour by booking them on a Gavin and Stacey tour in Wales. Advertisement 5 The couple had just returned from a romantic getaway to Venice Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross 5 Their next trip took them much closer to home, to Wales Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross Ross had just spent a relaxing weekend basking in the sunshine, sipping on Aperol Spritz and eating delicious pizza. He was taken to the Italian city as a treat by his boyfriend, Riccardo Gugliermini. As it goes in relationships Ross decided to do something equally as thoughtful in return - and decided to book a trip to Barry in Wales. The pair had become big fans after watching the final episode at Christmas. Advertisement Read More on UK Breaks Ross revealed to Ross took to social media to document their experience revealing that on the tour, a knock-off version of Nessa welcomes guests on board a coach. And they recite There's even a group sing-along to gets spirits high, and Riccardo showed off his Advertisement Most read in Travel It turned out not that many people knew about the tour with one commenting on Ross' video: "Omg, I had no idea you could do a Gav and Stace tour with Nessa, this is mint." Another remarked that it was "the height of British culture.' The real life of Barry Island made famous by BBC's TV Series Gavin and Stacey 5 The pair took a selfie outside of the Shipman house Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross 5 Riccardo made sure to pick up all his merch too Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross Advertisement Ross added: 'Riccardo came back home with all the merch, including a mug, magnet and t-shirt - we had the absolute best time. 'It's part of the fun of being in a multicultural relationship, I'm slowly learning Italian and enjoying his cooking. I've introduced him to Greggs, Yorkshire puddings and a chippy tea. 'I'm also getting him into other British comedy classics, like Outnumbered, Peep Show and The Inbetweeners. But Gavin and Stacey is his favourite." Although Ross admitted that he'd rather do a week in Advertisement For anyone who wants to head over to do Barry to do some film location sight-seeing themselves, make sure to visit Up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy's local Essex hangout and of course the Here's more about Barry from a local who Advertisement She reveals more about what Barry was like in the days of the Butlin's resort on Nell's Point Here's even more on Here's where you can find the 5 Barry is just as fun as Venice according to these two Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross Advertisement
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Popular English seaside city is home to the most pubs in the UK per person – here's some of the best ones
THERE are certain criteria people seek out when looking for a day trip - and one of those things is a plethora of pubs. And new data has revealed Brighton and Advertisement 11 Brighton and Hove has the most pubs per person Credit: Alamy 11 Here are some of the best pubs in the city - like The Station Inn Credit: Greene King The data revealed that the coastal city has an impressive 147 pubs per 100,000 people. In total, that's 205 pubs serving its 139,001 residents. With so many to choose from, we've found some of the best. Advertisement Read More on UK Breaks The Station Inn On Tripadvisor, The Station Inn describes itself as being a "traditional British pub" where you can enjoy a drink, play a game of pool or watch a game of football on the big screen. One visitor wrote: "The Station is everything you want in a local pub — warm, welcoming, and full of character. The staff are friendly, the beer selection is excellent, and the food hits the spot every time." Another added: "Lovely atmosphere, fantastic staff, we love coming to the Station- we feel like part of the family." Advertisement Most read in City breaks On the menu you'll find juicy burgers, steak and ale pie, fish and chips and a selection of roast dinners on a Sunday. The Tempest Inn Beach Club that's like being on the Med 11 In The Tempest Inn, you can have a drink inside a cave Credit: Tempest 11 Or you can enjoy a drink in the seaside beer garden Credit: Tempest Advertisement This pub has one very unique thing about it, and that's while inside, guests can enjoy a lantern-lite drink in a cave. For any people in a group who want to make sure they're seated in one of the cave booths, you can book these in advance. There's an outside area too and the pub is right on the seafront, with a sea-facing terrace, wooden tables and strings of fairy lights. Throughout the years are events like DJ sets, which run on most Saturdays. Advertisement 11 The Roundhill pub has a modern interior and a vegan menu Credit: Instagram / @theroundhillpub 11 The pub has been praised for its delicious vegan roasts The Roundhill vegan gastropub . It has a plant-based menu with weekly specials and they do Sunday roast dinners too. Advertisement The pub scooped up the "Best Roast" in 2020 and has been nominated in multiple categories for the 2025 BRAVOs, including "Most Sustainable," "Plant Champions," and "Best Sunday Roast". One visitor wrote on 11 Hove Place is a tucked away pub in Hove Credit: Hove Place 11 It has an Italian-inspired secret beer garden Credit: Hove Place Advertisement Hove Place With a glass of wine in hand and sitting out in the sunshine, you'll feel like you're in the Mediterranean. The pub that's known for its alfresco dining serves modern pub classics, as well as fresh focaccia rolls for and deli boards which are very popular . As for drinks, you can pick up cask ales, beers, ciders and wines as well as some draught lagers like Birra Moretti and Estrella. Advertisement When it first opened, the pub was shortlisted in the same awards as Best Newcomer in the 11 The Cricketers Inn is the oldest pub in Brighton Credit: The Cricketers 11 It has very bright plush velvet interior Credit: The Cricketers The Cricketers Inn the definition of a classic pub, it's full of charm, history and is the oldest pubs in Brighton. Advertisement You'll find the bright white pub in the thick of Brighton's Lanes , this venue attracts a real mix of people and inside is what's described as a "warren of rooms." As for the interior, think thick red carpets, velvet stools, black walls and dim lighting. The pub has an internal courtyard too with larger tables, but when it's sunny, you'll want to make most of the good weather by taking a seat outside. The Cricketers Inn is possibly the oldest pub in Brighton having been around since 1547. Advertisement While it might not be a pub, Check out some of the best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex, named by holidaymakers and locals. The Top 10 UK Cities With The Most Pubs Per Person Brighton & Hove Wakefield Salisbury Chester Bath York Lancaster Canterbury Worcester Hereford 11 Brighton has the most amount of pubs per person in the UK Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Tiny Italian island set to be ‘turned into oasis' to escape hoards of tourists
A TINY Italian island could be turned into an 'oasis' for locals to be able to find somewhere quieter, away from holidaymakers. A group of local activists have raised around €460,000 (£401,000) in funds to win the lease for Poveglia - a tiny uninhabited island just off of 5 Poveglia is a tiny unhabited island just off of Venice Credit: Alamy 5 And a local group of activists are hoping to transform it into an urban oasis Credit: Alamy The activist group Poveglia per Tutti (Poveglia for Everyone) will take over the next month and intend to turn the island into a small haven. This includes regenerating the northern part of the island "transforming it into a lagoon urban park open to citizens and respectful of the ecosystem and the landscape elements that characterise the However, there will be some challenges in transforming the island, as it currently has no electrical or water supply. And there is also no pier with access for boats either. Read more on travel inspo One of the main parts of the island is the kitchen garden, which used to grow a variety of peaches, but has now been left to run wild. One of the founders of Poveglia for Everyone, Patrizia Veclani, told The Times: "Nature has reclaimed it. But with the advice of botanists we are considering what appropriate plants can be reinstated." She added that it is important that the island is returning to the city, "rather than becoming the umpteenth The group will pay just over €1,000 (£871) a year for the island on a six-year lease. Most read in News Travel The island itself is split by two canals and according to Later, it was turned into a mental hospital that eventually closed in 1968 - with the island being vacant since. 7 TOURIST DESTINATIONS - EVERGREEN LISTICLE Few buildings remain on the island, and even fewer fully intact. A church still stands, as does the hospital, asylum, a bell-tower, housing and some administrative buildings. The bell-tower is the most visible and dates back to the 12th century. It used to belong to the church of San Vitale - which was demolished under Napoleon's orders in 1806. The tower was then re-used as a lighthouse. As a result of this extensive history, the island is often featured on paranormal shows as well. The island was then first put up for lease over a decade ago when the Italian state auctioned a 99-year lease of Poveglia. 5 The only remaining buildings on the island include the church and hositpal Credit: Alamy 5 The group of activities will pay just over €1,000 a year for the lease Credit: Getty The island was to remain as state property, to raise revenue and the hope was that the buyer would transform the hospital into a At the time, the highest bid came from Italian businessman Luigi Brugnaro for €513,000 (£447,000). Initially, the businessman planned to invest €20million (£17.4million) in a restoration plan but the lease did not go ahead as his project did not meet all the conditions for the island. Whilst Brugnaro decided to fight the cancellation of the lease, he eventually dropped this and all intentions for developing the island when he became Mayor of Then in 2015, Poveglia for Everyone emerged and hoped to raise €25-30million (£21.8-£26.1million) to develop the island to include a public park, a marina, a restaurant, a hostel and a study centre. Around 30million people visit Venice each year and a €5 (£4.36) charge was introduced last year to deter visitors. Cruise ships were also banned in 2021, and now dock on the mainland at Marghera or at Ravenna. Expedia's top 10 holiday islands across the globe HERE are 10 top islands to consider for your next getaway, according to Expedia's 'Hot List'. Paros, Greece: A Greek paradise praised for its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and buzzing nightlife, also offering delicious seafood and party boats. Sardinia, Italy: This large Italian island boasts a rugged coastline, charming hilltop villages, and over 1,000 miles of beaches, including Spiaggia di Piscinas, nicknamed 'Little Sahara of Italy'. Aruba, Caribbean: Known as 'One Happy Island', Aruba is celebrated for its white sand beaches, including Flamingo Beach where you can see pink flamingos, and is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Koh Samui, Thailand: Thailand's second-largest island offers incredible beaches, impressive temples, and vibrant nightlife, gaining further popularity from the TV series White Lotus. Jersey, UK: This Channel Island is experiencing a rising interest, particularly among British travelers. Crete, Greece: A popular Greek island with a growing appeal to visitors. Malta: This Mediterranean island nation is seeing increased interest from travelers. Madeira, Portugal: This Portuguese island is a rising star on the travel scene, particularly for Brits. Naxos, Greece: Part of the Cyclades Islands, close to Paros, and a destination worth exploring. Milos, Greece: Another beautiful island in the Cyclades chain, known for its unique landscapes. There is also an Plus, the 5 However, the island currently has no electricity or water Credit: Alamy
