Sips & Bites April Edition: A Spotlight on Le Berne’s Tuscan Expressions
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 relaxed, social, and centered on thoughtful wine discovery.
Hosted by Dunstan Vintner, the evening unfolded through a curated tasting journey but as the night progressed, it was the wines of Le Berne that truly captured the room.
Discovering Le Berne: The Heart of Montepulciano
Nestled in the rolling hills of Montepulciano, Le Berne is a family-run estate that has been crafting wines since the 1960s. Spanning 21 hectares, the vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate and gently sloping terrain, ideal conditions for producing expressive Sangiovese.
The estate is known for its commitment to balancing tradition with modern precision, alongside a growing focus on sustainability. This philosophy was evident in every glass poured throughout the evening.
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Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2024: Fresh and ApproachableThe first introduction to Le Berne came through its Rosso di Montepulciano 2024: a vibrant, youthful expression designed for immediate enjoyment. Bright aromas of violet and cherry lifted from the glass, while the palate delivered a fresh, juicy profile with soft tannins. Easy-drinking yet characterful, it quickly became a favorite among guests looking for a versatile, everyday Tuscan red. |
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Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2022: Elegance and StructureStepping into greater depth, the Nobile di Montepulciano 2022 showcased the estate’s more serious side. Crafted from older Sangiovese vines, the wine opened with layered aromas of ripe cherry, subtle leather, and hints of tobacco. On the palate, it was dry and full-bodied, with refined tannins and a balanced structure that spoke to both craftsmanship and terroir. This was the wine that sparked conversation, complex enough to engage seasoned drinkers, yet approachable enough to win over new enthusiasts. |
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Nobile di Montepulciano Cervognano 2020: A True StandoutThe highlight of the Le Berne lineup was undoubtedly the Nobile di Montepulciano Cervognano 2020. Sourced from the estate’s highest vineyard, this wine reflects a distinct terroir of clayey loam soils interspersed with limestone, combined with a cooler northwest exposure. The result is a wine of precision and finesse. On the nose, it revealed layers of fruit and balsamic complexity, with notes of orange peel, thyme, and mint. The palate was structured yet elegant: deep, focused, and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins that lingered long after each sip. It was, without question, one of the most memorable wines of the evening. |
A Crowd Favourite at Sips & Bites
By the end of the night, Le Berne’s wines had firmly won over the room. The Nobile di Montepulciano, in particular, stood out as a clear favorite, with guests returning for second and even third pours.
More than just a tasting, the evening became a discovery of what makes Montepulciano such a compelling region for Sangiovese: balance, elegance, and a strong sense of place.
Sips & Bites continues to grow as a community of wine lovers exploring exceptional producers from around the world. And if April’s edition was any indication, Le Berne is a name that will remain firmly on the radar.
Stay tuned for the next edition, and join the DV Wine Club to be the first to discover what’s next.