You’ve definitely dreamed of moving to Italy, restoring a biodynamic farm and vineyard and making your own wine. We all have. Post-lockdown, James Hird and his wife, Annie Conley, did just that and purchased Beulah Violetta – a centuries-old estate in the Umbrian hills. You probably know James as one of the co-founders of Rootstock (RIP) and the award-winning sommelier at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar. You’ve probably read Annie’s words in the likes of delicious. or recognise her from behind the decks.
Together, they’ve spent the last few years restoring the homestead, planting a vegetable garden and regenerating the vines – and now, they’ve got a wine to show for it. The 2023 Stesso Stesso Rosso (‘same same’), their first release, is a single-vineyard field blend of sangiovese, merlot and sagrantino. Light and ethereal with freshness at the fore, but it’s got guts and depth, too: brambly berries, wild herbs, baking spice. Beaujolais by way of Central Italy? You betcha. Chuck it in the fridge for a good halfa before opening, and you’ll have a very good time.