A fruity nose with tart cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. After some time in your glass the fruits settle, though are still prominently featured. Slight hints of earthiness, eucalyptus, and green bell pepper tone down the fruits, but keep to the background. Try slightly chilled.

Nebbiolo in Italy's most northern region of Val d'Aosta is known here as Picotener or Picotendre. Difficult to ripen in this cold climate, the grapes have the advantage of altitude sunshine. This light, fresh example has all the rose, cherry and rasperry notes of Nebbiolo, but with an intense acidity. If you've never tried Nebbiolo before, this may be a great place to start!

An organic, pale salmon-coloured rose that is bright and flora with sweet berries and perfumed spice aromas.
There are sweet cherry, cream flavours and candied citrus peel flavours in the mouth and a spicy finish.

Pairs well with: Meaty and Oily Fish

Organic

Rich in red and blue flowers giving pleasure in the notes of lavender, passionflower, magnolias and gardenias. A lot of citrusy hints describe the secondary scene. Medium to full bodied, extremely light, gentle tannins of very fine grain and a harmonic, balanced finale with a smooth, progressive closure.

A appealing shimmering straw-yellow colour, Fermata 125 Etna Bianco DOC seduces with incisive, citrus-edged scents of orange and acacia blossom. Beautifully-balanced in the mouth, its multi-layered fruit progresses to a long-lingering finish with a pungent note of balsam.

Barone Fini Pinot Grigio Valdadige is a light-bodied, dry white wine from the Italian Valdadige region with delicate floral aromas and flavors of citrus, green apple, and honeydew. It features bright acidity and a balanced minerality, leading to a crisp and clean finish. The wine's versatility makes it suitable as an aperitif or paired with seafood, poultry, salads, and various pasta dishes.

Assuli Lorlando Riserva Nero d'Avola is a well-balanced Sicilian red wine, characterized by intense aromas of ripe red fruit, a smooth texture, and soft tannins, with notes of blackberry, plum, and a hint of licorice.

The term Recioto originates from the dialect word “recia,” meaning ear, referring to the top part of the grape bunches that receive the best exposure. This dessert wine pairs beautifully with various baked goods, especially traditional Veronese pandoro, panettone, pastries, and dark chocolate.

Another great wine from the Casale del Giglio winemaking family. Not only are the native varieties a specialty, but they have a solid foundation for some of the rarer French grape varieties also.  A native of the Jurançon region in the foothills of the French Atlantic Pyrenees, the small-berried, thick-skinned Petit Manseng grape from which this white wine is made, is more highly regarded than its larger-berried sibling, Gros Manseng. Antonio Santarelli and his visionary enologist Paolo Tiefenthaler recognized the huge potential of this grape variety in the fertile grounds in their Lazio vineyards. The wine is intensely aromatic, fruity and spicy on the nose, fresh, crisp and flinty on the palate. An exquisitely structured wine which bows out on a seductive, fruit-filled finish. A truly stunning wine for the price. 

Perfect for springtime sipping as the weather warms, this vintage of Vermentino from Vecchia is crisp and refreshing, showing notes of citrus and spice, with excellent balance and a long, persistent finish. Serve with tapas, shellfish or grilled fish. (Robert Whitley)

From the prestigious area of Montefalco in Umbria, Perticaia is embracing all the native grapes of the area. This rosato is made from 80% Sagrantino, which is undoubtedly one of the most tannic grapes in all of Italy, balanced by 20% Sangiovese.  The wine is fine and elegant with floral hints of wild rose and fruity hints of peach and grapefruit. Well balanced with medium, mouth-watering acidity.

The wine presents a bright straw yellow color with golden reflections. It boasts a great expression on the nose, offering pleasant hints of yeast and sweet almond, with a nuanced aromatic background typical of Chardonnay. Trento DOC is not well known among the sparkling world, but truly a hidden gem. This blanc de blanc is 100% Chardonnay and spends 48 months on the lees – the usual ageing time is typically more than a traditional Champagne at a fraction of the price. Trento DOC represents great value, and the Roeno is no exception. This is a sparkling of great expression with pleasant hints of yeast and sweet almond, and a nuanced aromatic background typical of Chardonnay.

Another little gem from the oldest family winery in Italy. Since 1141, Ricasoli has been producing wines of great character and quality. Made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, the wine is aged for 9 months in used tonneaux.

The nose begins with floral and fruity notes, gradually transitioning to umami with hints of balsamic vinegar and tar, blending with violets, roses, figs, and plums. The palate combines juiciness and earthiness, with gritty, almost sandy tannins enhancing the earthy profile.

From 80-year-old vines, the 'Ottantanni' is rich, expressive, and textured. Full of ripe stone fruits, delicate white flowers, dried herbs, and bright minerality. On the richer side of things - try this with full flavoured dishes.

This spumante comes from marl and clay-sandy soil, in a precious area of “Alta Langa”, which Azienda Agricola Giribaldi became part of in 2013. In this area, for over a century, is where the pinot Nero e Chardonnay are grown to produce Spumante, which according to the piemontese tradition, is strictly produced using the metodo champenoise, of the second refermentation in the bottle.

The Marion Farm, located in the unspoiled Marcellise valley east of Verona, is a small family run property managed by Stefano Campedelli, his wife Nicoletta and her brother Marco and their two sons. Under the guidance of the ex-cellar master at Guiseppe Quintarelli and current adviser to Romano dal Forno, Marion was born. The wine presents a pale cherry-garnet hue and an aromatic, almost floral bouquet with hints of spice, dried cherry, cranberry, and seasoned wood. On the palate, it offers round and ripe flavors of fresh, juicy red fruits, displaying balance and finesse. This wine is elegant with a long, lingering finish, showcasing Campedelli's expertise and dedication to quality winemaking.

Eucalyptus, woodland berry, rose and baking spice aromas take shape in the glass. This is all about finesse and energy, doling out flavors of juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and licorice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Still young and tightly wound, it will benefit from more time in the cellar. Kerin O’Keefe

Classically crafted, this opens with earthy aromas of forest floor, woodland berries, leather, violet and crushed black olive. Savory and elegantly structured, the lithe palate features ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, truffle and the same black olive note from the nose. Taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced.

Winemaking
After a pre-fermentative cold maceration, the fermentation of the must with the skins takes place at a controlled temperature for 12 days, followed by malolactic fermentation. Then the wine is aged for 6 months in tonneaux and 6 months in stainless steel tanks and 4 months in a bottle.

Tasting Notes
The wine takes on a pale ruby colour. Intense aromas are jampacked with blackberry, raspberry, blueberry and a slight peppery note. On the palate, it is dry, medium-bodied, has well-ripened soft tannins, elegant with plenty of acidity and a touch of spice.

With their winery located with the National Park area of Gran Sasso, this family owned winey began their estate in the early 1900's when the first vineyards were purchased but it wasn't until two generations later, the family decided to bottle wines under their own label. When the first grandchild was born, she had flaming red har just like her grandmother, so the label created was "Testarossa" (redhead). This 100% Montepulciano has aromas of plums and cherries with nuances of violet. On the palate it's full-bodied with ripe red cherry, cocoa, licorice, tobacco, leather with smooth tannins and a long finish. The bottle boasts a leather label on this 1.5 L.

This wine is known for its intense aromas of red fruits, roses, and spices, with a complex and elegant flavor profile that includes notes of cherry, licorice, and tobacco. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a long and persistent finish. This wine is aged for at least two years in oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity to its flavor. Rinaldi Barbaresco is a perfect wine to pair with rich and flavorful dishes such as roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses.

Passopisciaro is a small area (the name of a town) on Mt.Etna's north face on the property of the late Andrea Franchetti. Soils from this active volcano provides resulting wine with a vein of minerality that speaks of the terroir of this prestigious region. Contrada Sciaranuova is located at 850 m.In Sicilian, "sciara nuova" means "new lava flow", deposits from the relatively new lava flow from the 1600s that has turned into thick gravel.The wines produced from this site are bright, aromatic, and have a rich taste of fermented hay and a dusty herbal quality. The wine is structured, yet fresh with a youthful concentration.

Fattoria del Pino Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is an elegant and expressive Tuscan red made from 100% Sangiovese grown near the renowned Montosoli hill in Montalcino. The wine offers vibrant aromas of ripe cherry, wild berries, dried rose petals, orange peel, herbs, and subtle earthy spice. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied and beautifully structured, with juicy red fruit, bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, and savory notes of leather, licorice, and dried herbs. Traditionally matured in large Slavonian oak casks, it finishes long, balanced, and mineral-driven, with excellent potential for further aging.

Fattoria del Pino Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is an elegant and traditionally styled Tuscan red made from 100% Sangiovese grown in the Montosoli area of northern Montalcino. The wine offers aromas of ripe cherry, red berries, dried flowers, citrus peel, tobacco, and earthy spice. On the palate, it is refined and well balanced, with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins, and layers of red fruit, leather, herbs, and subtle smoky notes. The finish is long and savory, showing the freshness and mineral character typical of the cooler Montosoli terroir. With its combination of structure and finesse, the 2018 is approachable now but can continue to develop with additional bottle age.

This 100% Timorasso is native to the Tortona area in Piemonte. The ancient name is Derthona and often seen on the labels. Before nearing extinction, this grape was brought back to life by Walter Massa, knowing there was great potential. The grape ages remarkably well and will resemble a dry Riesling with five years of age or more. This single vineyard of Costa del Vento shows aromas and flavours of white flowers, stone fruits, and bright citrus. It will always have high acidity and be voluptuous. These wines can sometimes border on feeling "alcoholic" so chill to temper and decant for best tasting experience.

The region of Gavi is home to the Cortese grape. The philosophy of the farm is to ensure the vines are farmed without any use of chemicals. Only healthy and carefully selected grapes are gently pressed. This wine offers a particularly fine mineral feeling and notes of fruit and white flowers. On the palate the wine is lively, harmonious, with a fresh acidity, which increases its persistence and drinkability. This will be a fine choice for vegetable dishes and fresh salads.

Gulfi is a family-owned winery located in southern Sicily, with grand cru vineyards located in Pachino: 100% Nero d’Avola that grows in sandy soil close to the sea and has adapted to the hot climate. Here, the resulting wines are complex and elegant, and the benchmark for what these wines should taste like. Undoubtedly, one of the world’s greatest wine estates and producers of Nero d’Avola. Although one might think the wines taste the same, each single vineyard or ‘cru’ showcases the great terroir of Pachino and the subtleties of each area.

Maccarj is a dense and powerful wine with a perfumed nose of ripe black cherry, garrigue, iron notes and eucalyptus. The tannins are firm and powerful with lingering flavours of blackberry fruit and juniper along with a meaty, black olive quality, typical of this cru.

As the winery's most important and awarded wine, Sor Ugo represents the elegance and strength of Bolgheri. A "Super Tuscan" Bordeaux-blend created by the prominent enologist Tibor Gal, it is named after Ugo, the first Pellegrini family member who started to work with grapes and wines a century ago

Roeno Enantio Valdadige is a red wine produced by the Roeno winery located in the Valdadige DOC region of Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. This wine is made from the Enantio grape variety, which is grown on the winery's estate vineyards and undergoes a maceration process with the skins for about 12 days.

On the nose, this wine has intense aromas of red berries, with hints of spice and licorice. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a good balance of acidity and tannins. Flavors of red currant, black cherry, and a hint of tobacco are present, with a long and persistent finish.

Edda (‘she’ in Salento dialect) is the feminine and sensual soul of San Marzano. It is a complex white wine, full of Mediterranean notes. Noticeable acidity intertwined with an enveloping and elegant warmth, savoury and mineral notes on the palate. The Chardonnay grapes give the wine finesse and longevity, together with different varieties indigenous to Puglia, that year after year compete to complement the blend.

The Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo is a full-bodied and elegant red wine produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Barolo subregion of Piedmont, Italy. It offers a deep ruby color and aromas of dark cherry, rose petal, licorice, and tobacco. On the palate, it is rich and complex with notes of red fruit, leather, and spice, balanced by firm tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and persistent. This wine has received 93 points from Wine Spectator, which praises its "intensity and harmony," calling it "a modern-style Barolo, but still maintains its integrity and typicity." It is an ideal pairing with hearty meat dishes, aged cheeses, or simply enjoyed on its own. 

From the Bolgheri DOC, the Poggio Al Tesoro is owned by the Allegrini family of Valpolicella fame. The Sondraia is the flagship wine made with a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Full bodied and intense with aromas and flavours of black currant, blackberry and spice, it's an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and wild game.

Complex wine fermented in barriques for 40% of the grapes. Very intense straw yellow colour. The nose is lively with balsamic notes and aromas of woody resins. Remarkable notes of ripe fruit such as apple, pear, papaya, and then honey, wet stone and spices. Full and vigorous, with great structure. Enjoy it in a large glass.

Pairs well with: Fish

Beautiful, resolved nose, a touch of delightful oxidation, coffee and chocolate but still that cherry ripe red fruit clarity. In the mouth it is silky and dense, a flood of quite meaty and fleshy black fruit, super ripe tannins and lovely plum and cherry skin acidity giving length. A beautifully resolved and complete wine.

Cantina Girlan is a cooperative winery located in the Alto Adige (South Tyrol/Südtirol) region, dating back to 1923 with 23 winegrowers. Today the winery belongs to 200 winegrowing families on a total of 230 hectares; hence, each grower farms an average of 1,15 ha. Grapes are harvested by hand and sustainable methods are utilized to protect the soil and overall environment. Native grape varieties, such as Pinot Bianco, Pinot Noir and Vernatsch (Schiava) are the focus.
Made from 100% Vernatsch, aka Schiava, this light bodied red wine has pretty notes of strawberries, ripe raspberries, lemon peel and rose petals.

85/100 Wine Enthusiast
"A ruby-colored sparkling dessert wine from northern Italy, Brachetto d'Acqui enjoys a long history rooted in Italian tradition, and it can be paired with sweet foods and savory ones alike. This is soft and round with notes of raspberry and candied cherry on the close."

E. Pira & Figli Chiara Boschis Via Nuova is a red wine from the Barolo region of Italy. The wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape variety, which is known for its high tannins and acidity. The wine is aged for a minimum of 38 months before release, which is longer than the minimum aging requirement for regular Barolo wines. The wine has a complex bouquet, with notes of red fruit, cherry, rose and tar, it also has a spicy and balsamic aftertaste. 

Santa Cristina Le Maestrelle is a popular, modern Tuscan red wine (IGT) produced by Santa Cristina (Antinori). It is a smooth, medium-bodied blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah, characterized by intense ruby red color, soft tannins, and notes of red berries, plum, and spice. It is known for being balanced and versatile.