New Arrivals – Italian Wines
Italy is one of the world's top wine-producing countries, with a long history of winemaking and a wide variety of grape varieties and styles. Here are a few Italian wines that have recently arrived in the store:
WHITES: with over 690 registered grape varieties in Italy, there is a lot to choose from. Instead of reaching for the usual Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc, try one of these amazing white wines, from easy drinking and value driven to ageable and luxurious.
Arcangelo Verdeca – from Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s boot, this zippy little number packed with notes of lime citrus and fresh Italian herbs will be perfect for the patio this season or with your favourite salty snack.
Was $24.99, Now $20.99!
Vigneti Massa Derthona – Derthona is the region (in original Latin) where the ancient grape Timorasso grows. Walter Massa is the mastermind behind bringing this grape back from near extinction. Wines are high in acid with intensely mineral, floral and citrus notes, and sometimes even a whiff of honey. As they age, they become reminiscent of Riesling.
Was $54.99, Now $49.99!
Querciabella Batar - luxury is not typically associated with white wine, but this top-rated wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco is without a doubt, one of Italy’s most iconic. The beautiful texture and minerality of this wine will help it age for decades.
Was $129.99, Now $114.99!
Valentini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – made from actual Trebbiano Abruzzese vines, Valentini is considered one of the founding fathers of this grape and his cellar is off-limits to everyone except him and his son. These wines are rare here and will only get more complex with age, so be sure to get your hands on a bottle before this 2018 vintage is all gone.
Was $349.99, Now $299.99!
REDS: in Alberta we LOVE our red wines and there are lots to choose from besides the ever-popular Amarone, Barolo and Chianti. Check out these new and unique wines from all over Italy!
For lovers of Nebbiolo (Barolo and Barbaresco) try Etna Rosso. Made with Nerello Mascalese grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily, these wines are light in colour with the sensual aromas of cherries, cinnamon, dust and Italian herbs, but with those same high tannins and acidity Nebbiolo is known for.
Was $64.99, Now $59.99!
Umbria, Italy’s only land-locked region is home to Italy’s most tannic grape variety – Sagrantino. This big, bold, structured wine is high in tannins, but they are polished and perfect for those big fatty, high protein meat dishes. Let this age for ten years or more for optimal taste or decant for several hours to enjoy sooner.
Was $54.99, Now $47.99!
Nebbiolo is known as Chiavennasca in Lombardia and it is so elegant, perfumey, and graceful, you might not want to go back to drinking Barolo! ArPePe is an iconic producer in this region and their Grumello is a subzone of the quality Valtellina region. At 10 years old, this wine is gorgeous.
Was $104.99, Now $89.99!
Teroldego is the most important red grape of Trentino in Northern Italy. Dark coloured and concentrated, this is a fruity wine, yet softly tannic and Albertans would love it! Try this as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Was $39.99, Now $35.99!
Terrano is a rare indigenous red grape variety of Friuli- Venezia Giulia, a region more well-known for their white grapes. Benjamin Zidarich is one of the best producers, not only in FVG, but in all of Italy. Plenty of dark fruit and violet aromas and flavour with searingly high acidity which makes it perfect as a food wine.
Was $65.99, Now $59.99!
Greco Nero hails from Calabria, the “toe” of Italy’s boot and is another red wine for Alberta drinkers! Full-bodied, thick and rich, if you left this on your counter for 4 days, it would still drink like a boss! Full of blackberry, dried plums, floral, roasted coffee, leather and spice, it’s complex!
Was $44.99, Now $39.99!
Grignolino is a light-coloured tannic grape variety from the Monferrato region of Piemonte, where quality grape varieties grow in abundance. Always a nose of dried flowers, berry jam, pepper and cloves. Extremely high tannins, yet classy with a bold personality!
Was $89.99, Now $79.99!
ROSE：Italians make rose too, called rosato (or rosati for many!) Here are a few of our new favourites in pink!
Puglia makes some of the best rosati in the world. Made from 100% primitivo (aka Zinfandel) this wine screams summer with fresh raspberries and cherry notes.
Was $24.99, Now $21.99!
Nerello Mascalese from Mt. Etna not only makes unforgettable red wines, but rosati from this grape are astounding as well. This winery is establishing itself as a rising star and one of the best in the region. Rosato made from Nerello will show off juicy raspberry, cherry and orange peel along with racy acidity.
Was $39.99, Now $36.99!
Pairing Chinese food with Italian wine? You bet! We're excited to announce an upcoming event at one of the oldest restaurants in the city: The Lingnan, featuring the flavors of Chinese cuisine paired with the exquisite wines of Italy. There are still tickets available so act now to reserve your seat @ only $75/person.