For many British wine consumers, Italian wines have, over the years, fallen into two main classes, the populist and the unknown. The former have included wicker-flasked Chiantis, Asti Spumante, Lambrusco, Prosecco and the now-ubiquitous Pinot Grigio. As for the unknown, much of the confusion is because of the myriad of grape-varieties and the host of, often very small, wine-producing regions. The confusion is compounded because many of the best growers have sought to work outside the traditional boundaries and sell their best, and most expensive wines, at the simple IGT appellation level.
We are proud of our range, which includes both ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ wines. Improved winemaking means that Italy now produces some of the best value-for-money wines for everyday drinking, as well as great bottles recognised internationally as being ‘classics’. There is much pleasure to be had at all price-levels.
Pinot Grigio continues to be a favourite, and here we have some great value in the Capriano and Villa Albini wines - these are produced by the well respected, family owned Vinicola Botter. Beyond Pinot Grigio the wines from the South of Italy are starting to gain widespread appeal, look out for the Falanghina Terradora from Campagnia and the Fiano Lunate from Sicily.
In the reds we have added the critically acclaimed Dolcetto D’Alba from Mascarello, the top quality Ripassa Valpolicella of Corte Sant Alda and an Aglianico from Basilicata, there is also great value to be found in the Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Primitivo Salento and the Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piceno - this is a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese from an organic vineyard and is a very easy drinking, top quality red wine.
The elegant bouquet has notes of acacia flowers and light red fruits such as strawberry. With a dry, soft and well balanced palate, this is a perfect wine for light salads or as an aperitif.
The bouquet is unmistakably Pinot Grigio with hints of acacia flowers and lemon peel. The palate is dry and light. A well balanced and crowd pleasing wine.
A classic lighter unoaked Italian wine made with the Garganega grape. Notes of citrus fruits and delicate white flower. Dry and crisp finish, very refreshing
A dark, ruby red with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet of dates and red fruit. Beautifully smooth on the palate and a great finish.
Deep, ruby-red colour with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet . Dry, and round on the palate with hints of red fruit. The finish is medium bodied with soft tannins and good acidity.
Pale straw-yellow colour and a delicate bouquet. The palate is dry and crisp with citrus notes.
An intense cherry bouquet with a hint of violet. The palate has bright and lively acidity, good fruit and well integrated tannins.
The lighter and fruitier side of Sangiovese. A classic tart cherry nose with an underlying sweet spice, the palate has good acidity and good length. Ideal with roasted and grilled red meat
Intense ruby red colour in the glass with hints of cherry, black fruits and spice on the nose. The palate shows red ripe fruits, liquorice and sweet spices. This is a round, warm and full-bodied Sicilian wine that shows character beyond the price.
A very pleasant bouquet of cherry and black pepper . A delicate palate with notes of plum and a touch of spice, the palate also displays a fresh acidity and a lengthy finish.
Straw yellow colour in the glass. Soft on the palate with well-balanced acidity. This wine has an elegant bouque with typical citrus fuit and a delicate herbaceous aroma. Refreshing acidity and a clean crisp finish.
Fiano can produce wonderfully complex white wines. Lunate have produced a fine example of what can be achieved with this underrated grape variety. Aromatic nose offering floral notes and hints of honey and spice.
The palate has good weight and plenty of fruit, whilst there is enough acidity to keep the finish fresh and clean. Serious wine for the price.
Light rosé colour. Elegant and intense bouquet of strawberry. Dry, soft and well-balanced on the palate; with a rounded and full bodied structure. Enjoy this wine when still young to fully appreciate the sparkle (perlage) fragrance and flavour
Pale light yellow colour, delicate and complex bouquet with fruity notes reminiscent of peach and green apple, there are also good secondary notes of acacia and lilac. Fresh and light on the palate with balanced acidity.
Iintense bouquet with a fragrance of violets and morello cherry. Silky tannins, good fruit and a balanced acidity make this an excellent food wine, especially good with tomato based Italian sauces.
