GIRO D’ITALIA: THE YORK STAGE - WITH BEN AND EMMA ROBSON OF BAT AND BOTTLE
Our June tasting took us on a beautifully paced Giro d’Italia through six Italian regions, beginning in the Bar Convent’s hidden garden oasis — complete with Yorkshire sunshine — before moving into the Atrium for an evening of relaxed exploration.
Ben Robson led the journey with confidence, insight and humour, supported by Emma’s quiet expertise. Each wine became its own “stage”, from the bright lift of Canavese Spumante to the celebratory sweetness of Recioto di Soave. Their vineyard‑level knowledge and engaging storytelling made their debut with our section a real highlight, and we hope this will be the first of many Giros they ride with us here in York.
It was a night of discovery, warmth and shared enthusiasm: a stage well ridden together.
1. Cantina della Serra Erbaluce Spumante Brut ‘Serra Blu’ 2023
Piemonte • Canavese Spumante DOC • 100% Erbaluce • 12%
A floral, mountain‑fresh fizz with white peach, tarragon and touches of tangerine and pineapple. Bright, pure and effortlessly refreshing — a beautifully judged prosecco alternative offering exceptional value.
2. Roccafiore Grechetto ‘Fiordaliso’ 2024
Umbria • Umbria Grechetto IGT • 100% Grechetto di Todi • 11.5%
Textured and quietly confident, showing fresh tropical and floral fruit with dried almond and a gentle sea‑salt lift. Immaculate and understated; a fine example of modern Umbrian winemaking.
3. di Marzo Greco di Tufo ‘Laure’ 2022
Campania • Greco di Tufo DOCG Riserva • 100% Greco • 13.5%
Vivid and mineral, with bitter lemon, wild herbs, wet stone and a firm saline edge. From the single vineyard Laure above the old sulphur mine, this Riserva is deep, focused and quietly authoritative.
4. Villa Guelpa Sizzano 2018
Piemonte • Sizzano DOC • Nebbiolo & Vespolina • 13.5%
Generous and welcoming, with red cherry, cocoa and gentle spice. A joyful, approachable Alto Piemonte expression, aged in large botti and bottled unfiltered for purity and charm.
5. Ca’ la Bionda Valpolicella Ripasso ‘Malavoglia’ 2021
Veneto • Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC • Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella • 14%
Smoky and dark‑fruited, with damson, black pepper, espresso and clove, finishing on a sour black‑cherry twist. Traditional Ripasso made with Recioto and Amarone skins — balanced, characterful and deeply satisfying.
6. Vicentini Recioto di Soave 2023
Veneto • Recioto di Soave DOCG • 100% Garganega • 13%
Luscious and pure, with honey, almond, soft herbs and rich orchard fruit, lifted by a bright thread of grapefruit. Grapes are dried over winter with a touch of botrytis encouraged, giving clarity, poise and sweetness in perfect balance.
MARGIN TASTING NOTES...
Looking Ahead…
Our July tasting will be a relaxed summer evening curated by Jordan Thomson of Love Cheese. We’ll open with an English fizz before enjoying four 75ml measures – one white, a rosé and two reds – each paired with one of five carefully chosen cheeses, complete with crackers and chutney.
Expect an easy‑going, conversational tasting rather than a formal masterclass, with Jordan sharing the stories behind his selections at a gentle summer pace. A night of good wine, good cheese and good company awaits.
The closing date for applications is Monday 29th June 2026. Those wishing to attend who have not yet received an invitation should contact Jason Valentine, Section Chair.
