
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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- Il Villaggio Organico Pinot Grigio is sourced from high altitude vineyards near the Slovenian border, north east of Venice. The combination of altitude, mineral gravel soils and a protected site creates richly flavoured but elegant wines. Andrea Sartori has been ... Learn MoreIl Villaggio Pinot Grigio 2020$14.91 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 2021$18.99 Per item
- This wine is a light straw colour with lime hues. The nose explodes from the glass with sweet sherbet, lemon, lime and jasmine aromas. The palate is creamy and refreshingly zingy with lemon, lime acidity. Apples and hints of ripe ... Learn More
- With the same spirit of Nicolo De’Conti, famous Venetian exploratory, this is a unique Puglian red, made with naturally dried grapes drying through a process called Appassimento. A garnet red in colour, the nose is a harmonic and fine ... Learn MoreDe Conti Appassimento 2019$19.99 Per item
- The 2019 Bastioni della Rocca Puglia Appassimento opens with inviting aromatics of sweet cherries and red plums which are woven together with earth, tobacco, grilled herbs and hints of leather. Medium-bodied with a silky texture that gives way to flavors of ... Learn More
- "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 2020$21.99 Per item
- Uriel, the archangel of repentance. Uriel played a very important role in ancient texts as the rescuer of Jesus' cousin John the Baptist from the Massacre of the Innocents ordered by King Herod. The translation of Uriel is ‘God of ... Learn MorePoggio Anima 'Uriel' Grillo Sicilia DOC 2021$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 2020$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 2020$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 2019$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 2020$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
- 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 2018$23.99 Per item
- Pale yellow in colour with a vital fruity aroma. This is vibrant with stonefruit and citrus, with hints of almond, marzipan and spice. The palate rewards with an unctuous and filling mouthfeel with a slightly salty minerality. It’s full ... Learn MoreMaretti Friuli Pinot Grigio 2020$23.99 Per item
- Farina is located in San Pietro in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico; the historical and original Valpolicella. Cousins Claudio and Elena own 10 hectares of their own vineyards and source fruit from long standing grower partnerships which encompass a further 70 ... Learn MoreLe Pezze Pinot Grigio 2020$24.99 Per item
- Sogno Di Ulisse Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is a wine that has made the history of modern Abruzzo wine-making. Ruby red color with purplish reflections. The nose shows layers of plum and red cherry aromas, with blueberry, blackcurrant and savoury red ... Learn MoreSogno Di Ulisse Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Doc 2019$24.99 Per item
- Made by legendary winemaker Dennis Verdecchia, this “Provencal style” rosé has a very pale powder pink color. Fresh and soft aromas of strawberry, watermelon and pink grapefruit accompanied by pleasant floral notes of rose petals and broom. It stands out ... Learn MoreFarnese Calalenta Rose 2020$25.00 Per item
- 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Antica Cinta, literally Old City Walls, refers to the history and the land of Piccini family, its Middle Ages villages as San Giminiano, Castellina and Siena, clustered behind massive stone defensive walls. Antica Cinta pairs a very ... Learn MorePiccini Antica Cinta Chianti Riserva ORO DOCG 2016$26.99 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 2018$29.99 Per item
- A unique wine grown in Italy from a region called Marche. The bouquet has intense touch of ripe white fruits of apple and peach, as well as almond components. Aromas of apple and peach. The flavour is fresh acid, balanced ... Learn MoreCostadoro White Falerio DOP 2019$29.99 Per item
- 89% Glera and 11% Pinot Noir from vineyards on the alluvial soils of San Martino al Tagliamento near Pordenone in Fruili. Justin Bubb crafts his Prosecco rosé in the regionally traditional charmat method, and leaves the blend on lees to build further ... Learn MoreBabo Prosecco Rose NV$29.99 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 More
- 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 2018$31.90 Per item
- COLOR Straw yellow that contains brilliant green reflections. AROMA Floral notes, like white blossoms, and delicate apple and pear. TASTE Medium intensity, crisp minerality, with hints of spice, light almond and a slightly bitter orange peel character. The pretty floral ... Learn MoreFeudi Di San Gregorio Falanghina 2019$31.99 Per item
- COLOR Straw yellow that contains brilliant green reflections. AROMA Floral notes, like white blossoms, and delicate apple and pear. TASTE Medium intensity, crisp minerality, with hints of spice, light almond and a slightly bitter orange peel character. The pretty floral ... Learn MoreFeudi Di San Gregorio Falanghina 2017$31.99 Per item
- Winner of a Gold medal at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Award for Meininger's Magazine 2018. A nose of complex earthy spices and a more obvious oak character (16 months in 40% new French Barriques) speak of the quality of this wine ... Learn MoreRenzo Masi 'Cornioleta' Chianti Riserva Docg 2018$32.99 Per item
- The terroir The vineyard soil at La Raia is calcareous and clayish, it extends at approximately 400 metres above sea level with a south-east-west exposure. A crown of vineyards distributed around the cellar, with an average density of 4500 vines per hectare. ... Learn MoreLa Raia Gavi Docg 2019$32.99 Per item
- Montepulciano and Sangiovese once again merge into a beautiful Piceno Rosso. In this wine their is a great expression of the Marche territory in a very classic blend of those two grapes, perfectly merged together. Medium intense nose with cherry, ... Learn MoreCostadoro Piceno Rosso DOP 2019$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 MoreCa'Della Scala Allegretto Valpolicella Doc 2018$34.99 Per item
- Poggio Anima is a collection of wines representing four Italian regions typifying the cultural heartbeat of each area. Poggio Anima, translated as ‘Hill of Soul,’ personifies the individual vineyards cultivated for each bottle. Many wines have vitality and a soul ... Learn MorePoggio Anima Ragana Frizzante Pet Nat 2020$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 Doc 2019$34.99 Per item
- The grapes are grown in the vineyards of Budignacco, Pozar and Dragica, at elevations from 100 to 140 meters (325 to 475 feet) above sea level. Straw yellow with light greenish reflections. The characteristic aromas of this vineyard are well perceived with pleasant notes ... Learn More
- Cultivated via Guyot, with a production not greater than 80 quintals per hectare. Brilliant straw yellow with reflections tending to a copper colour. Delicate and elegant, with flavors of vegetables, such as tomato leaf, peach and ripe apples. The palate is ... Learn More
- Pietro Rinaldi Vino Rosato 2019$35.99 Per item
- The most authentic wine of Valpolicella, here no process is made between the grapes of the vineyards and the wine on the table. It is ready to drink already in the spring following the harvest and it perfectly suits the ... Learn MoreLa Dama Valpolicella Classico 2020$36.99 Per item
- The Alto Adige region, known as the Südtirol when it belonged to neighbouring Austria, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for grape growing. The valley is split by the Adige river and vineyards are planted on either side of the steep ... Learn MoreFranz Haas Pinot Grigio IGT 2020$37.00 Per item
- Monchiero is nestled in the picturesque commune of Castiglione Falletto in the Barolo region. The terroir here is amongst some of the greatest you will find in all of Piedmont. Monchiero have a superb centre parcel of Rocche di Castiglione ... Learn MoreMonchiero Langhe Dolcetto 2019$38.01 Per item
- The Musso winery was founded in 1929 and coincides with one of the most critical moments of the Italian economy and the world, the year of the “Great Depression” Sebastiano Musso, born in 1906, did not lose heart. Valter Musso, a young ... Learn MoreMusso Dolcetto D'Alba DOC 2019$39.00 Per item
- 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 2021$39.99 Per item