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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One of the most popular aperitifs in Italy- now conveniently ready to drink! An iconic bright orange colour and unique taste, beautifully blended with a low alcohol spritz. Infused with selected ingredients, including sweet oranges, grapes and many other herbs ... Learn MoreAlmare Spritz AperitivoNZ$19.99 Per item -
Fresh and fruity aromas with floral notes of jasmine, white flowers & apple blossom. The taste is fresh and pleasant, elegant and balanced, filled with crispy apples, pear and white fruit flavours. Family owned and operated by the Bixio family for ... Learn MoreBixio Pinot Grigio 2020NZ$24.99 Per item -
Gold Medal at Berliner Wein Trophy 2018 .A rich red wine, with layer upon layer of damson plum and morello cherry flavors integrated with subtle spice notes. Full body yet soft on the palate with a long finish. This bold wine ... Learn MorePirovano Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019NZ$24.99 Per item -
Classic Italian Grigio from selected vineyards in the Veneto – giving extra weight and fruit. Ripe orchard fruits on the nose with hints of honey and peach. Lightly spicy with good weight and texture - balanced by fresh citrus acidity and ... Learn MoreConviviale Pinot Grigio Doc 2018NZ$24.99 Per item -
Gold Medal winner at Berliner Wein Trophy 2018. A wine with a huge, ripe Italian varietal which is the pride of the Apulia region in the south of Italy. An intense bouquet of ripe dark berry fruits with hints of jam, ... Learn MorePirovano Primitivo 2019NZ$26.99 Per item -
Gold Medal winner at Gilbert & Gaillard. A beautiful bouquet of ripe berries, cherry, spices & hints of sweet jam on the nose. Powerfully presenting on the palate with juicy black fruit, harmonious sweet tobacco tannins, bright acidity & a full-bodied aftertaste. The ... Learn MorePrimo Reale Primitivo Igt 2020NZ$29.99 Per item -
An excellent DOC Prosecco from Valdobbiadene, the best region within Veneto, named Il Fiore for its floral aromatics. A fine, persistent perlage, with hints of ripe, golden apples. Dry, soft and flavoursome on the palate with a pleasant effervescent sensation ... Learn MoreIl Fiore Prosecco DOC NVNZ$29.99 Per item -
This is a lovely soft fruit driven Prosecco. Sweetly fragrant with aromas of honeysuckle, nectarines, pear, vibrant citrus, and a hint of toasty lees. It has an exuberant bead, creamy on the palate with lovely apple and honey notes and ... Learn MoreVilla Teresa Prosecco Doc Frizzante NvNZ$29.99 Per item -
An organic & sustainable Montepulciano from the north east of Abruzzo. An appealingly fresh and delicate aromatic profile, with elderflower, blueberry, a hint of orange peel and some spices. The palate shows well-developed signs of age, with concentrated orange and red-fruit ... Learn More -
A spectacular Primitivo di Manduria with power and poise. Intense aromas of red and black fruits ana plum preserve, with notes of oak, raisins, spices, cinnamon, tobacco and vanilla. The palate is simply beautiful, filled with red fruit flavours, strawberry ... Learn MoreNero Reale Primitivo Di Manduria 2018NZ$39.99 Per item -
A deliciously approachable blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera, earning a Best Wine for Value award from Gambero Rosso. A bright bouquet of red fruits, wild berries, dried violets and smoky spice. Strong cherry cola and raspberry fruit flavours, dried mint ... Learn MorePelassa Corte Enrichetta Langhe DOC 2019NZ$44.99 Per item -
An organic Montepulciano from the north east of Abruzzo. Sourced from the old vines of the Sant’Angelo vineyard, which takes its name from the ancient eighteenth-century chapel that stands in the middle of the vineyard. Generous aromas of black ... Learn More -
93 Wine Advocate. 95/100 Decanter- Gold Medal WWA. A deep and alluring nose, with typical roses and tar aromatics and hints of crushed cherry, violets and balsamic. Rich, bold and powerful on the palate with an impressive level of tannins. Expect flavours ... Learn MorePelassa Barolo DOCG 2016NZ$84.99 Per item -
James Suckling: "Very floral on the nose with plums, rose petals and freshly sliced porcini mushrooms. The palate is tight and compressed with beautiful ripe fruit, wet earth and cool, stone flavors. A structured and impressive wine. Drink after 2022." Robert ... Learn MoreArgiano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015NZ$99.99 Per item -
The Supertuscan of Montalcino. The legacy of G.Tachis for Argiano. Since 1995 it represents power and boldness, pride and longevity. James Suckling: "This is really dense and structured, yet there’s energy and agility throughout. Full-bodied, yet agile and firm. ... Learn MoreArgiano Solengo Toscana IGT 2017NZ$114.99 Per item -
"Bussia" by Pronotto is a powerful and rich expression from one of Piedmote's greatest vintages, from the world famous Antinori family. Woodland berry, tilled soil, dried rose, new leather and aromatic herb aromas come together in this fragrant, racy red. ... Learn MorePrunotto Barolo Bussia 2014NZ$119.99 Per item -
93+/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate- "The wine opens beautifully in the glass, showing an inviting and open personality that is immediately attractive and memorable." A stunning Barolo from the village of Verduno. Aromas of cherry and roses meld with espresso and ... Learn MorePelassa San Lorenzo Di Verduno Barolo 2015NZ$119.99 Per item -
A delicious mixed 6 pack for summer paired with our awesome end of year warehouse clearance deals- only while stocks last!
... Learn MoreXmas 2021 Pick n Mix #1NZ$124.98 -
"All about radiance and finesse, this iconic Tuscan red has beguiling aromas of cedar, wild red berry, menthol and pipe tobacco that mingle with fragrant blue flowers. Made with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, the focused, elegantly structured palate is ... Learn MoreTenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2018NZ$274.99 Per item
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