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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
A delicate and elegant bouquet of floral scent mingled with honeydew melon. Round on the palate, a nice body and a good balance between acidity and the ripe fruits. The finish is long, clean and persistent.
Deep garnet red colour in the glass. Intense and characteristic bouquet of Christmas cake and sweet spice. The palate is concentrated and voluptuous with black fruits and firm, yet silky, tannins.
