We were lucky enough to speak with Silvia Altare in the cellar last week. Her passion and enthusiasm for the wines Elio, her father, has spent 50 years curating is contagious. In her words, “Elio started the revolution; I am part of the evolution.”

Indeed, Altare has been part of Justerinis’ portfolio for an impressive 30 years. Silvia herself, has been at the winery for 15 years now, but tells us that Elio is still very much in charge.  The Altare team is a small one, “there are six of us running the whole show. We work really hard, from January to December, undertaking everything from pruning to sales.” Silvia has no plans to change this set up, “we are very happy with the current situation, but as a woman, in Italy, in the countryside, in winemaking and Elio being so much a part of the history of Barolo – the pressure is very much on. But the brand is in good hands and everyone is very loyal.”

Justerini & Brooks were delighted to welcome Pip Goodwin, one of the long-standing winemakers from Palliser Estate in Martinborough, New Zealand. 

Pip was on hand to showcase a number of the brilliant wines from the Palliser collection, including; Chardonnay 2012, Pinot Gris 2013, Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Riesling 2013, Pinot Noir 2013 and two of the ‘Great Dog Series;’ ‘Paloma’ and ‘Hector.’

Palliser Estate was a pioneer in New Zealand’s wine industry.  “We planted in the early 80s, starting with a group of locals who were struggling in the rural area and who wanted to find a use for the land.” Pip tells us. After conducting an environmental report, which showed good climatic and soil conditions, the inhabitants were pleased to find out that potato and sheep farming could give way to vines - Palliser estate was duly born.

“We started with mainly Pinot Noir yet we have seen the market change hugely, with the rising popularity of Sauvignon and the crisp, pure, elegant wines associated with a cooler climate. At Palliser, we take the ‘less is more approach “

“There have not been a lot of changes from the early days, we do not like to manipulate the wines – rather tweaking along the way, especially when it comes to understanding the sites and vine ages of the Pinots and Chardonnays.” Pip maintains.