Corvina & Rondinella, Veneto, Italy 

Imagine the unpretentious quaffability of young Beaujolais but with an undeniably Italian, Earthy edge. Corte Gardoni is a small family run winery, steered by the three Piccoli brothers who took over when their father Gianni passed in 2020. Together they work in Bardolino, a small wine region on the eastern shore of the stunning Lago di Garda (Italy’s largest lake) located in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The Piccolis’ vineyards occupy 25 hectares, while the rest of the property hosts orchards, forests, olive trees, and arable land – from which the family produces fruit, olive oil, and the first balsamic-style vinegar to be made from apples (bucket list food item located!). A blend of two of the three grapes used in Bardolino – tart and savoury corvina, with sapid and aromatic rondinella. Magenta in colour, with floral spices, pomegranate compote, saturated soil, hibiscus lemonade, berry producing vegetation & a bitter cherry pit finish. Pour alongside rewatching The Talented Mr. Ripley & wearing your best headscarf.