Sips & Bites April Edition: Discovering Le Berne’s New Vintages in Singapore
Sips & Bites continues its monthly run of bringing together wine lovers in Singapore and April’s edition delivered an experience worth savoring. On 19 April, Mad Roasters welcomed 25 guests for an evening that was equal parts relaxed, social, and deeply rooted in fine wine discovery.
Hosted by Dunstan Vintner, the night unfolded through a thoughtfully curated flight of six wines, highlighting both classic French elegance and the soulful depth of Tuscany.
A Bright Start: Alsace Whites from Dopff au Moulin
The evening opened on a refreshing note with wines from Dopff au Moulin, the historic Alsace house and a pioneer of Crémant d’Alsace. Known for its precision and terroir-driven style, the estate set the tone with two expressive whites:
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Alsace Riesling Domaine Familial 2018 Light-bodied and dry, this Riesling showed a bright yellow hue with lifted mineral and floral aromas. On the palate, it was precise and vibrant, finishing with a subtle salinity and notes of pepper and fresh orchard fruit. An ideal companion to seafood and shellfish. |
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Alsace Gewurztraminer Domaine Familial 2020 A crowd-pleaser from the first pour, this Gewurztraminer offered a golden robe and an aromatic bouquet of flowers, spice, and a hint of smokiness. Rich yet balanced, its complexity and structure made it a natural pairing for bold flavors like foie gras and aged cheeses. |
The Essence of Tuscany: Le Berne Wines
As the evening deepened, so did the wines. Guests were introduced to Le Berne, a family-run estate in Montepulciano crafting wines since the 1960s. With 21 hectares of gently rolling vineyards and an ideal microclimate, the estate produces both Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano. Known for balancing tradition, sustainability, and modern precision.
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Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2024 Fresh, fruity, and approachable, this youthful Sangiovese-driven wine delivered vibrant notes of violet and cherry. Its juicy palate and soft structure made it an easy favorite for casual sipping. |
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Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2022 A step up in depth and complexity, this expression from older vines revealed layered aromas of cherry, leather, and tobacco. On the palate, it was dry and full-bodied, with elegant tannins and a beautifully balanced structure. |
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Nobile Di Montepulciano Cervognano 2020 Sourced from the estate’s highest vineyard, this standout wine reflected its unique terroir which is clayey loam soils with limestone and a cooler northwest exposure. The result: a refined, structured wine with notes of orange peel, balsamic herbs, thyme, and mint. Its depth and precision left a lasting impression. |
A Grand Finale: Brunello di Montalcino
To close the night, guests were treated to a classic from Il Cocco, a small, family-run estate in Tuscany known for its organic and regenerative approach to winemaking.
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Brunello Di Montalcino 2018 Elegant and expressive, this Brunello showcased layers of red fruit, spice, and subtle tobacco, finishing long and velvety. A wine built for both contemplation and pairing, especially alongside rich meat dishes like Bistecca Fiorentina or slow-cooked wild boar. |
The Crowd Favorites
By the end of the night, two wines clearly stood out: the aromatic Gewurztraminer from Dopff au Moulin and the structured Nobile di Montepulciano from Le Berne, both seeing guests return for second and sometimes even third pours.
Sips & Bites continues to be more than just a tasting. It’s a growing community of wine lovers discovering great bottles together, one evening at a time.
Stay tuned for the next edition, and join the DV Wine Club to be the first to know where we’re headed next.