Choosing favourites from our comprehensive Italy range is an impossible task. However, I’m spilling over with excitement to share this selection of irresistibly gorgeous Italian wines. There is something truly special about the texture of a fine Italian white—it has an unctuousness unmatched anywhere else in the world. Case in point, the Sauvignon Blanc from awesome producer, Russiz Superiore in Collio, on the border with Slovenia. The wine has so much more depth, texture and interest than examples from elsewhere, thanks to unmatched winemaking and also the prized ‘ponca’ soil that is distinctive to this region. Moving from extreme east to extreme west of the country, Liguria is better-known for its coastline and growing basil than it is for its wine. However, Laura Aschero’s Pigato is a true gem, with a fabulous balance of richness and freshness. Shifting our sights both southwards and upwards, Planeta’s Etna Bianco is from dizzyingly high, volcanic vineyards, in which are planted the indigenous Carricante vine. The initial waft from the glass suggests the basalt soils, and then the wine opens up to a panoply of succulent, tropical fruit.
With the reds, we start our tour in northern Piemonte, with the outstanding if underrated Rovellotti Vespolina from the Colline Novaresi. Vespolina is closely-related to Nebbiolo, and I love that this wine hints of the complexity and depth of mature Barolo at a fraction of the price. It is truly delicious, and you can enjoy it immediately. Heading eastwards to just north of Verona, I paid Bertani a visit last year, and their Valpolicella Valpantena Ripasso is grown near their historic cellars, north of Verona. It is a ‘just right’ meeting of Valpolicella’s juicy easiness with Amarone’s guts. Lastly, no Italian selection would be complete without a grand Tuscan red, and Barbi’s Brunello di Montalcino is one of the grandest of all. This magnificent wine, from a magnificent vintage, will drink well now, provided that you give it a good airing in a decanter, or could lay down in the cellar for a decade or longer. P.S., it also has a one of my favourite labels of any wine, anywhere.
"The nose is an intriguing marriage of pink grapefruit, honeydew melon and fresh sage. The palate is well structured, silky textured, and fills the mouth with crisp citrus and candied fruit character. Such a long finish - excellent."
"Pale yellow with green highlights. Aromas of white peach, yellow plum, herbal notes. The small percentage of wine fermented in wood softens the refreshing acidity typical of the Carricante and add complexity to the mineral character of this volcanic wine."
"Intensely fragrant with a bouquet of peaches, acacia honey and flowers that follow-through to the palate. Full bodied with incredible texture and a peppery twist. A delightlful wine from an esteemed producer. "
"Dusky-deep garnet in with an expressive savoury of mature, subtle mellowed fruit. Deep-flavoured an balanced with satisfyingly supple yet chewy tannin. A remarkable, quintessentially northern Piedmontese red which could almost be a far more expensive Barolo."
"Intense notes of blackcurrant, plum, raspberry, black cherry and spice. Take a sip, and it’s absolutely delicious, so vibrant and alive, with juicy elderberry fruit, rounded and sumptuous. Irresistible."
"Deep, rich aromas of wild cherries over a complex medley of dried Provencale herbs, frankincense, and dried fruits. Succulent and velvet-textured, it is beautifully-balanced with fruit and herby-spicy complexity. Delicious now and over the next 5-6 years. "
PLEASE NOTE we cannot guarantee orders for multiple Mixed Cases or Mixed Cases ordered alongside other wines in your order will be packed exactly as displayed on the website. If you would like to receive a Mixed Case as displayed, please place a separate order for this Mixed Case.
