Surrounded by three seas, father and son Nini and Michele work side by side on the Salento Peninsula, the sun-drenched heel of the Italian boot. As they could achieve ripe fruit in their sleep, the family’s real artform lies in control – watching, waiting, and harvesting before grapes overripen, allowing them instead to showcase Puglia’s spectacular terroir.

Colour: Straw yellow with greenish hues
Nose: Lime leaf, tangerine, and mint oil
Palate: Tangyandbold, with layers of warm citrus
Finish: Refreshing, fun medium finish

The Derthona of Vigneti Massa is produced exclusively from white grapes that have always been cultivated in the Apennine and pre-Apennine hills of the "marca Obertenga"; with phylloxera has risked extinction, now it is regaining the ancient spaces: from 4 hectares in 2000 to the current 150 hectares cultivated by over forty producers. The Derthona comes from a cold maceration of about 40/45 hours, with subsequent fermentation for about 12 months in stainless steel tanks and periodic "batonnage" of the lees for about 12 months

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.

One of the original producers that grows Trebbiano Abruzzese, one of the few quality grapes of the Trebbiano group. There is not much of this exported and even fewer bottles of the Montepulciano. Francesco Valentini and his son are the only humans allowed in the cellar as Francesco never wants to introduce foreign microbes or yeasts to interfere with the ageing of the wine. These are some of the most ageable white wines in the world and in fact, could be considered “unicorns” as they are hard to find here in Canada.  Truly collectible.

Along with the 2018 already in house, the 2019 has since arrived and now is the time to pick up a mini vertical of these wines. Highly sought after and with a cult following, these wines are rare. This is a complex and opulent wine, which has become famous for its incredible longevity. The nose is full of ripe yellow fruits and white flowers. The palate is rich, warm and well balanced with beautiful acidity and sapidity.

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.

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.

Nebbiolo is known asChiavennascain 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.

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.

Terrano is one of the few red grapes of the Carso region, and much rarer than its Tazzelenghe or Schioppettino counterparts. Yet, the quality is unmistakable as the grape expresses the terroir very well. In fact, the grape name means “red earth” due to the soil it’s grown in. There is a certain Barbera-like quality to the crunchy, earth-tinged red fruits and the bright, zingy acidity of the wine, yet there is more finesse and purity. Fresh herbs and red licorice on the palate add complexity, and the concentration is surprising given its exceedingly modest alcohol level, typically never exceeding 12.5% alcohol. A unique wine, but well suited to the North American palate. 

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!

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!

With its marine origins, this wine expresses the mineral character of Decugnano dei Barbi's terroir, offering a pleasant and refreshing taste that never disappoints. This traditional wine is a true explosion of flavors and aromas that will leave you breathless from the first to the last drop! And don't worry about aging, because this wine reaches its peak after 3-4 years from the harvest.

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.