Italian Franciacorta and Brunello producers link up for first UK specialist tastings
The UK wine trade will get the chance to discover some of the premium wines available from two key Italian wine styles - Franciacorta and Brundello - at special masterclass tastings taking place in July.
The consorzios of both Franciacorta, the premium sparkling wine produced in Lombardy near Milan and Brunello, the classic Italian red from Tuscany's Montalcino, have come together to showcase both their styles of wine at these special tastings.
It is hoped the tastings will demonstrate the versatility both styles of wine have, and how Franciacorta, which is made in the classic Champagne method, offers a real quality alternative to its French counterpart. The consorzios also hope to show how the wines both work with food from the beginning to the end of a meal.
The UK tastings are part of a three year initiative between the two consorzios which will also see similar events taking place in Germany. If successful the programme could be extended and rolled out to other key export countries.
Peter McCombie MWPeter McCombie MW will share his personal insights into Italy's Franciacorta and Brunello wines at next month's UK specialist tastings
Peter McCombie, the restaurant consultant and Master of Wine, has been signed up to host masterclasses taking part in Manchester on July 1 and London July 2 followed by a generic tasting just for Franciacorta on July 3. McCombie, who visited both areas of Italy last week as part of a study tour including Harpers.co.uk, will share his experiences and look at what both styles of wine can offer the UK on and off-trades during the masterclasses in London and Manchester.
The Franciacorta generic tasting will be exhibiting a wide range of wines from producers looking for importers and distribution in the UK as well as established producers in the UK looking to widen distribution.
The overall initiative is being co-ordinatedin the UK by Proven Communication. Bryony Wright, speaking in her postition as head of Franciacorta UK, said: "In the UK our primary focus is to highlight the inherent quality of the wines and this means education; through trade tastings and engagement with press, sommeliers and key influencers. Rome wasn't built in a day, and like this Italian adage, we are aware that this a gradual process and an exciting challenge in what the region sees as a key global market."
The events take place at:
Franciacorta & Brunello di Montalcino Masterclass - Manchester Art Gallery, July 1.
Franciacorta & Brunello di Montalcino Masterclass - Il Bottaccio, 9 Grosvenor Place London, July 2.
UK Franciacorta generic tasting - Italian Embassy, July 3.
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