Author Archives: Patrick Sandeman

Argentine Pinot Noir

By on 09/06/2009

From the world’s most southern vineyards, set in the arid, desert like planes of Patagonia, Bodega Chacra produces three exceptional Pinot Noirs. Owned and headed up by the charming Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the family famous for their San Guido (Sassicaia) estate in Bolgheri, their pedigree is almost guaranteed… Three cuvées are produced by world renowned winemaker Hans Vinding Diers. The ’55’ (Cincuenta y Cinco) and ’32’ (Treinta y Dos) cuvées are named after the year the vineyards were planted, while a third wine called ‘Barda’ is produced from vines replanted on the original site of the 1932 site, as well as ‘declassified’ grapes from the premium vineyards.

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Tuscan Vineyard Tour Spring 2009 Part 2

By on 09/06/2009

Day two – another glorious day, with cloudless blue skies and only a gentle breeze – started with a longish, fast and winding drive to Tenimenti Luigi d’Alessandro near Cortona, where we were greeted by the rather lovely Valentina Davida, and the very charming owner, Massimo d’Alessandro…

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Tuscan Vineyard Tour Spring 2009 Part 1

By on 09/06/2009

… Having booked my flights to Pisa and a four seater car, it seemed silly not to fill it – after all flights are still unbelievably cheap and the three nights accommodation were all being hosted at the vineyards. My back-up team was made up of Andrew Hooper (store manager in Barnes), David Porter (office and store manager Chelsea) and Peter Lorimer (on-trade sales manager), and off we flew…

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