With the sunshine finally coming out, my thoughts are of Tuscany. With one foot in Spring and one in Summer, I’ve gone for one red and two whites from gentleman and winemaker Sergio Gargari and his western Tuscan estate of Pieve di Pitti.

1. Aprilante, Tuscany IGT, 2008 – around €13


Named after the month of April when Segio was born, this is a beautiful crisp white. Full of character with a nice streak on minerality and a taste which hints at a refreshing sea breeze. Made from a blend of Malvasia and Vermentino which varies with vintage. Happy birthday, Sergio!

Below, a video of Sergio discussing his Aprilante with Colly Murray of retrovino.com

With food: perfect with shellfish or as an aperatif.

2. Tribiana, Tuscany IGT, around €25


Named after the grape from which it’s made, Trebbiano, this is made with a soft, delicate hand. And it shows too, with wonderful floral, aromatic characters leading to a soft, creamy and honeyed character at the finish. Decanter award winner and easy to see why.

With food: fish or pork with cream-based sauces.

3. Cerretello Chianti Superiore 2007 around €16


Made with native grapes, sangiovese, canaiolo and black malvasia, this has its roots in a rustic style but with more than a hat tip to a more modern approachable flavour profile. Characteristic sour cherry offset by a gorgeous smooth creamy texture.

With food: pizza, pasta and other tomato-based dishes

Wines available from:

  • Pinocchio (Ranleagh),
  • Hole in the Wall (Blackhorse Avenue),
  • Fallon & Byrne,
  • The Corkscrew
  • Gibney’s (Malahide)
  • online from www.retrovino.com