Italy
Italy has some of the oldest wine production methods in the world and almost every part of the country is planted under vine. From the Alps in the north to the very southernmost parts of Sicily where Africa is almost in sight, wine is successfully cultivated. In addition to the latitude covered, Italy's many mountains and hills provide a plethora of altitudes for grape growing in various soils and micro-climates. The extensive coastlines along the peninsula that is Italy provide maritime climates for the coastal wine-growing areas. Over 350 grape varieties are 'authorised' in Italy, though up to 550 varieties are thought to be grown.
The classification system of Italian wines has four classes, with the intention of defining a wine's origin a quality. Two of these classes are table wines, whilst DOC and DOCG fall under the EU quality wine produced in a specific region category. Vino da Tavola (VDT) means that the wine comes from Italy. Most of these wines are generally basic table wines that are consumed domestically. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) denotes a more specific region within Italy, and the resultant will be of higher quality than simple table wines, but won't conform to the rules required for higher certification. Both Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) are regionally more specific than IGT, and have stricter rules regarding the grape varieties grown, yields per hectare, minimum alcohol levels and so on. The major difference between DOC and DOCG is that the latter has to undergo a blind-tasting session to ensure the highest quality is achieved. Italy has 32 DOCG appelations, 311 DOC appelations and 120 IGT zones.
Key regions include Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Veneto, Sicily and Sardinia. Common white varieties grown are Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vermentino, Verdicchio, Fiano and Moscato. The red varieties grown the most are Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola and Corvina.
The classification system of Italian wines has four classes, with the intention of defining a wine's origin a quality. Two of these classes are table wines, whilst DOC and DOCG fall under the EU quality wine produced in a specific region category. Vino da Tavola (VDT) means that the wine comes from Italy. Most of these wines are generally basic table wines that are consumed domestically. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) denotes a more specific region within Italy, and the resultant will be of higher quality than simple table wines, but won't conform to the rules required for higher certification. Both Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) are regionally more specific than IGT, and have stricter rules regarding the grape varieties grown, yields per hectare, minimum alcohol levels and so on. The major difference between DOC and DOCG is that the latter has to undergo a blind-tasting session to ensure the highest quality is achieved. Italy has 32 DOCG appelations, 311 DOC appelations and 120 IGT zones.
Key regions include Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Veneto, Sicily and Sardinia. Common white varieties grown are Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vermentino, Verdicchio, Fiano and Moscato. The red varieties grown the most are Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola and Corvina.
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100% Garganega. Intense bouquet of white blossom, with citrus and nashi pear. Persistent and harmonious flavour, with fresh acidity and a dry finish. Very satisfying. Serve at 10-12ºC. ... Learn MoreMONTE TONDO MITO SOAVE DOC 2019$18.99 Per item -
100% Garganega. Intense bouquet of white blossom, with citrus and nashi pear. Persistent and harmonious flavour, with fresh acidity and a dry finish. Very satisfying. Serve at 10-12ºC. ... Learn MoreMONTE TONDO MITO SOAVE DOC 2018$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
100% Garganega. Intense bouquet of white blossom, with citrus and nashi pear. Persistent and harmonious flavour, with fresh acidity and a dry finish. Very satisfying. Serve at 10-12ºC. ... Learn MoreMONTE TONDO MITO SOAVE DOC 2017$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This outstanding Pinot Grigio has fantastic definition of pure fruit flavours and a wonderfully rounded balance. High altitude vineyards, small yields and dedicated winemaking by this fantastic cooperative combine to produce a wine that is fresh, versatile and enjoyable. Exceptional ... Learn MorePOGGIO DEI PRINCIPI PINOT GRIGIO 2018$19.99 Per item -
A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMARETTI LANGHE ROSSO 2017$19.99 Per item -
A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMARETTI LANGHE ROSSO 2016$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Optimum keeping: 2-3 years in bottles stored horizontally in cool, dark conditions. Serve at 12-14C. 40% Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), 20% Verdello, 20% Grechetto, 10% Malvasia Toscana & 10% Drupeggio. A distinctive bouquet of blooming flowers and lemon blossom, with softer hints of musk and exotic ... Learn MoreBIGI ORVIETO CLASSICO 2016$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two ... Learn MorePOGGIO ANIMA 'ASMODEUS' NERO D'AVOLA SICILIA 2018$21.99 Per item -
Bright straw. A concentrated nose of apricot blossom, lemongrass, acacia, sea spray and yellow apple. Rounded in the mouth, the wine repeats the floral notes on the palate but adds in white peach and a bit of lemon zest, with ... Learn MorePOGGIO ANIMA GABRIEL PECORINO 2018$21.99 Per item -
Soil type is brown clay over limestone. The grapes were handpicked: Zibibbo in mid-August and early September for the Syrah. The Zibibbo was pressed and kept very cold halting fermentation in tank. When the Syrah came in it was quickly ... Learn MorePOGGIO ANIMA 'RAPHAEL' ROSATO SICILIA 2018$21.99 Per item -
"According to Jewish folklore, Lilith was the first wife of Adam. She was banished from the Garden of Eden when she refused to make herself subservient to Adam’s sexual requests. When she was cast out of the Garden, she ... Learn MorePOGGIO ANIMA 'LILITH' PRIMITIVO SALENTO 2017$21.99 Per item -
"In the Book of Tobias, an ancient Hebrew text, Asmodeus is the Demon of Lust. It is said that when Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve separated for 130 years. During this time, Adam was tempted by Naamah and Lillith, two ... Learn MorePOGGIO ANIMA 'ASMODEUS' NERO D'AVOLA SICILIA 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Ca' del Sole produces wines in keeping with the style and quality that people have become accustomed to from the traditional Prosecco region. Fruity aroma of pear, peach and white flowers closing with mineral notes. Well balanced, soft and savoury ... Learn MoreCA’ DEL SOLE PRESECCO DOC TREVISO EXTRA DRY 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Aromatic cherry and blueberry on the nose, which leads into a full fleshy palate of plums, prunes and blackberries entwined with a soft coating of tannin. Fruit was sourced from an 9 year old vineyard on northern aspect from the province ... Learn MoreBABO NERO D'AVOLA 2017$23.99 Per item -
This is a ruby-red wine with purple highlights. The nose is packed with black fruit, especially blackberries and plums, with slight spicy overtones hinting at black pepper and cinnamon. Sweet, soft tannins come together in a closely-woven texture that merges ... Learn MoreFONTANAFREDDA BRICCOTONDO BARBERA 2017$24.99 Per item -
From a single vineyard high above the Tagliamento river, it’s pinot grigio, pure and direct. A fresh nose of subtle stone fruit, spice and a hint of musk. Pure and beautifully layered with flavours of nashi pear and apples. ... Learn MoreTAGLIA FRIULI PINOT GRIGIO 2018$24.99 Per item -
Peachy fragrance with fresh, floral aromas. Great vibrancy, texture and balance with a creamy mouth feel and notes of pear skin, nectarine and citrus. The finish is clean and crisp without being excessively dry. Fruit is sourced from a young ... Learn MoreBABO PROSECCO NV$26.99 Per item -
Classic Italian Pinot Grigio - our best selling imported white wine. Made by the brilliant Cescon family - 3rd generation winemakers based just outside of Venice (this wine is sourced from their vineyard in Friuli- the home of Pinot Grigio). ... Learn MoreCESCON 'VINO DELLAMICIZIA' FRIULI DOC PINOT GRIGIO 2019$28.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Aiming to hit the bianco sweet spot of balanced sweetness, bitterness and acidity, it incorporates 130 g/L sugar, sweet citrus, elderflower, rhubarb, cardamom, coriander, mace, orange, sage and a selection of other bitter herbs. ... Learn MoreCHAZALETTES AND CO. VERMOUTH DE TORINO BIANCO NV$28.00 Per item -
"We are conscious that each of us, within its own limit, can give its active contribution to the battle against pollution for a cleaner tomorrow starting from today. In our vineyards we use only methods that guarantee full respect of ... Learn MoreCESCON 'VINO DELLAMICIZIA' PROSECCO NV$28.00 Per itemOut of stock -
From 2ha in the Trifolera Cru of Barbaresco adjacent Rabaja facing north-west. Aged for six months in stainless steel. 91 Points, James Suckling. “Full-bodied with some good chewiness and structure on the palate and a fine line of acidity to back ... Learn MoreGIUSEPPE CORTESE DOLCETTO D'ALBA 2017$29.99 Per item -
Lovely fragrant florals, classic nebbiolo minerality, depth of dark cherry fruit with layers and ripe tannins on the finish. Impressive quality and value for the price here. Berri is a small hamlet in the westernmost part of La Morra, located ... Learn MoreTREDIBERRI LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2018$29.99 Per item -
Masciarelli Tenute Agricole was established in 1981 from the entrepreneurial intuition of Gianni Masciarelli. Gianni was a believer in the high quality of wines that could come from the diverse regions of Abruzzo, often overlooked by drinkers on the west coast ... Learn MoreVALORI MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO DOC 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Light, fragrant, red cherry and red berries, touch of spice and new leather. Drink: Medium bodied, pure fruited, fresh and bursting with Nebbiolo flavour, light kitten’s tongue tannin, clean long finish. Drink 2015 - 2024+ ... Learn MoreBENEVELLI LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
70% Sangiovese, 15% Syrah, 15% Merlot - It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A complex aroma of cherries, wild blackberries and spices. Flavours of cherry and blacberry on the medium weighted palate with hints of spice and oak. ... Learn MoreIL PALAGIO 'MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE' TOSCANA 2015$31.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This classic wine from the Valpolicella area is made from 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella and 10% Sangiovese grapes. A soft, elegant wine, full in flavour. Delicately perfumed, it is reminiscent of maraschino cherries and fruits of the wood. Dry & velvety, with a good ... Learn MoreZENATO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE DOC 2016$33.99 Per itemOut of stock -
When young, it features a fragrance which is wonderfully spontaneous and full of surprise: in its bouquet, colour, and generous, velvety body this langhe Nebbiolo brings out all the typical qualities of the magnificent vine it is made from. Later ... Learn MoreFONTANAFREDDA EBBIO LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2017$34.99 Per item -
Masciarelli Tenute Agricole was established in 1981 from the entrepreneurial intuition of Gianni Masciarelli. Gianni was a believer in the high quality of wines that could come from the diverse regions of Abruzzo, often overlooked by drinkers on the west coast ... Learn More -
Intense, highlighted fruity aromas such as wild violet and blackberry pulp. In the mouth the wine offers a harmonious and complex taste balance, of fresh fruit with the right dose of tannins, in the long finish an almond note appears. ... Learn MorePIETRO RINALDI DOLCETTO 2018$34.99 Per item -
"Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreODDERO DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2018$34.99 Per item -
From the vineyards of San Pietro in Cariano and Negrar, which have white chalky soils. A blend of Corvina 40%, Rondinella 30% and the very rare Corvinone 30%. The nose exhibits the classic rustic notes of ferrous earth, black olive, dried herbs and ... Learn More -
Light straw yellow with intense green reflections. Pleasant hints of grapefruit, white peach and herbs, mark the nose of this wine which shows its true identity on the palate with a pleasant flavor and freshness complemented by an extraordinary minerality; ... Learn MoreTORNATORE MT ETNA BIANCO 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Graci, SicilyAlberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004, the year he returned from his apprenticeship as a Milan banker, picking up the baton with 5 hectares of family land, 2 hectares of which is vineyards (the rest ... Learn MoreGRACI ETNA ROSATO MOUNT ETNA DOC SICILY 2018$39.99 Per item -
The grapes come from vineyards consisting of shale (Galestro) 70%, sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) 20%, limestone (Alberese) 10%. The vineyards age range from plantings 2003-2010. The vinification and maturation is reminiscent of a more traditional style Chianti Classico. Intense mountain herbs, aromas of cranberry, wild ... Learn MoreRETROMARCIA CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG 2017$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The delicate nose is reminiscent of almond blossoms and marzipan. Good depth of fruit on the palate, nicely balanced by a zingy acidity that enhances its long length. The grape variety is Garganega, an unknown but delicious Italian native variety. ... Learn MorePIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO DOC 2018$39.99 Per item -
Grapes are sourced from the north of Verona, in the hilly vineyards with medium density soil tending to be calcareous, situated in the villages of Negrar, Fumane, San Pietro In Cariano and Marano. Corvina (40%), Rondinella (30%), Corvinone (30%). The “Ripasso” technique is ... Learn MoreCA'DELLA SCALA MEZZOPIANO VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE 2016$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A single-site Pinot Bianco, this comes from the Plattenriegl vineyard that sits at an elevation of 550 metres above sea level, in the gravelly, mineral-rich soils of the Appiano Monte. The area is considered to be one of the premier terroirs ... Learn MoreGIRLAN ALTO ADIGE PLATTENRIEGL PINOT BIANCO 2016$40.99 Per item -
50-50 blend of Inzolia and Grecanico, 26 days of skin contact , fermented in concrete vats . The Ramì is golden in colour , with a lovely aroma of cactus figs , dried apricots and dried herbs . 2018 was a sensational summer with very low yields , ... Learn MoreCOS 'RAMI' 2018$41.99 Per item -
Alberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004, the year he returned from his apprenticeship as a Milan banker, picking up the baton with 5 hectares of family land, 2 hectares of which is vineyards (the rest polycultural ... Learn MoreGRACI ETNA BIANCO MOUNT ETNA DOC SICILY 2018$44.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Alberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004, the year he returned from his apprenticeship as a Milan banker, picking up the baton with 5 hectares of family land, 2 hectares of which is vineyards (the rest polycultural ... Learn MoreGRACI ETNA ROSSO MOUNT ETNA DOC SICILY 2017$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
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