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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Traditional Italian Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna. Ruby red colour with an inviting rosé foam. Pleasant, youthful acidity, with a sweet and fruity nose. Low in alcohol. ... Learn MoreCleto Chiarli Il Mio Rosso Lambrusco NvNZ$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
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 -
A rich, robust and chunky red from old vines that over-deliver on both flavour and value. Produced from 30-50 year old vines from the Chieti province of Abruzzo. Intense cherry, ripe plum fruit, cassis and bramble fruit flavours. ... Learn MoreConviviale Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2018NZ$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 itemOut of stock -
A warm, rich & characterful Primitivo bursting with aromas of plums, dried fruits and sweet spices. On the palate it is generous with impressive concentration of ripe plum and black cherry fruit and hints of dried figs - all balanced by ... Learn MoreConviviale Primitivo Igt 2017NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 MoreValori Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2016NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Classic Italian Pinot Grigio - our best selling imported white wine. Made by the brilliant Cescon family - 3rd generation winemakers based just outside of Venice. Delicately elegant, full of character & something to fall in love with, displaying intense vanilla & ... Learn MoreCescon 'Vino Dell'Amicizia' Friuli Doc Pinot Grigio 2018NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Extraordinary value from one the most famous producers in Sicily, Alberto Antonini, named in the TOP 5 best winemakers in the world by Decanter Magazine. Nero d'Avola is known as Sicilian Shiraz & works amazingly well with food. Aromas of violet, cherry ... Learn MoreBorgo Selene Nero D'Avola 2017NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
2x Gold Medal Winner from the classic territory of Puglia. A beautiful blend of ripe berries, vanilla & smokey spice flavours. Distinctive, well-structured & at the same time easy to drink & enjoy. ... Learn MoreComera Salento Primitivo 2015NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 2018NZ$26.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Light pear and white peach aromas, gradually opening up with notes of white flowers and chalky minerality. Classically light, with old-world freshness and mineral purity. Made by the Simoni family, who have made wines in Veneto since 1945. ... Learn MoreTerre Del Fohn Pinot Grigio Vigneti Delle Dolomiti 2019NZ$26.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A textbook example of a Southern Primitivo. A complex nose of juicy dark fruits and cool wild mint. Juicy black berries & dark fruit flavours with a refreshing acidity. It's soft tannins makes it a perfect accompaniment for wood fired pizza! ... Learn MoreVanita Primitivo 2018NZ$26.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 itemOut of stock -
A superb Sangiovese blend with indigenous grape varieties. Intensely perfumed with bright, lively notes of flowers, red and black fruits. Full and harmonious with mouth-filling primary fruit flavours and seamless tannins. Exclusively imported by United Cellars & great to cellar or ... Learn MoreTenuta Di Lilliano Chianti Classico Docg 2015NZ$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Produced by a family-run business in the province of Treviso, the traditional heart of Prosecco. Bright straw yellow colour with a lively perlage, intense floral and fruity scents & a fresh palate. An exciting, young Brut wine with a creamy finish, ... Learn MoreTerre Serena Prosecco Doc Treviso BrutNZ$30.00 Per itemOut of stock -
100% Negroamaro produced from the province of Lecce and Brindisi in Puglia. Vibrant purple-red in the glass with intense red fruit aromas & lingering spice. A smooth, wine with structured tannins & a lingering red fruit jam & tobacco note finish. ... Learn MoreMastroleo Negroamaro Puglia Igt 2018NZ$30.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Carefully handpicked Sangiovese grapes with a hint of Ciliegiolo & Canaiolo aged for 12 months on Slavonian oak make up this stunning Chianti Superiore. Intense ruby red in the glass, with with plenty of cherry, leather and cedar aromatics. The round mouthfeel ... Learn MoreTenuta Di Burchino Chianti Superiore Docg 2015NZ$30.00 Per item -
Winners of Best Italian Producer in 2016 & 2017. A Beaujolais styled blend of Italian Merlot and Sangiovese, that is fresh & fruity with beautiful mouthfeel. Pretty red & black berry flavours with raspberry & fig are complimented with cinnamon & fruitcake spice. ... Learn MoreFantini Farnese 'News' Novello 2018NZ$30.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The perfect aperitif to bring a splash of Italy to any occasion. A unique bitter-sweet taste deriving from a secret recipe that has remained unchanged since its creation in 1919. Zesty orange, appealing herbal notes & just a hint of vanilla. ... Learn MoreAperol 700MlNZ$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The epitome of Italian tradition, from the godfather of Prosecco. A dry sparkling from the hillside vineyards located in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. A multiple award winning wine that is both refined & well balanced, with delicate notes of green apple & ... Learn MoreCarpene Malvolti Prosecco Brut NvNZ$34.99 Per item -
A beautiful, organic & traditional Prosecco from Friuli, Italy. Family owned and operated since being established in 1957. Beautifully balanced, easy drinking & packed with fresh pear, cirus & spring blossom notes. ... Learn MoreCescon Vino Dellamicizia Prosecco Nv DocNZ$34.99 Per item -
A light to medium-bodied Italian blend of 45% Corvina, 40% Corvinone & 15% Rondinella, from carefully selected grapes in Valpolicella, North East Italy. Concentrated aromas of red fruits, ripe blackberry and deep cherry flavours, with floral notes and a hint of spice, supple on ... Learn MoreCa’Rugate Valpolicella 2017NZ$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A baby Barolo, awarded both Gold & Exceptional medals! A chewy, crisp, dry full body, flavours of dates, salted milk chocolate, earthen spice and berry tart finish with rich tannins and light oak flavour. Elegant aromas of rose petals and some ... Learn MoreRiva Leone Barbaresco Docg 2012NZ$49.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Sourced from the acclaimed Nizza sub region of Asti. Matured in 50-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months. Blended in the spring, bottled in the summer. Intense ruby-red colour with purple tinges, a bouquet of cherry, blackberry, small red fruits, pepper ... Learn MoreOddero Barbera D’Asti Superiore Nizza 2015NZ$49.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Campari is a premium Italian spirit with its distinctive dark red colour, aroma and pleasantly bittersweet flavour. Intense quinine & blood orange captivate the palate. Unique & unmistakable, Campari has been used for the basis of famous cocktails for over 150 years. ... Learn MoreCampari 700MlNZ$52.99 Per itemOut of stock -
**THIS ONLINE TASTING IS OVER**
Join our Master of Wine, Alistair Cooper, live from the UK, who will be hosting our series of online, interactive tastings so wine lovers across NZ can be involoved. This ... Learn More
VIRTUAL TASTING PACK - ITALYNZ$67.99Out of stock -
Ginarte is the essence of life’s pleasures, an exploration of all things beautiful- A premium gin made with juniper berries picked only in select areas of the Apennines of Tuscany & 13 native botanicals. Calamint, safflower, mignonette, rubia & indigo are rare ... Learn MoreGinarte Dry Gin 700MlNZ$76.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Classical 100% Nebbiolo from Barolo DOCG. An intense, austere and complex red wine, aged for about 24 months in big oak barrels. It expresses typical nuances of cherries, red flowers and underbush and the taste is rich, full-bodied, vigorous and structured, with ... Learn MoreVite Colte Paesi Tuoi Barolo Docg 2015NZ$84.99 Per item -
A beautifully harmonious Barolo from one of Piedmote's greatest vintages, from the world famous Antinori family. Subtle aromas of red berry, new leather, forest floor and a whiff of tobacco lead the nose. Full and velvety in flavour and tannins, ... Learn MorePrunotto Barolo Classico 2013NZ$84.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The wines coming from the different vineyards are aged separately in 40, 60 and 75 –hectolitre Slavonian and Austrian oak barrels for 30 months. The wines are blended in the spring, then bottled at the end of the summer and aged in the bottle ... Learn MoreOddero Barolo Classico 2015NZ$94.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
This is very much a Barolo in the ‘classic’ style. Strawberry and orange peel, a touch of liquorice root, blonde tobacco and roses, perhaps some glacé cherry. Light to medium bodied, with insistent slightly scratchy and chalky black tea tannin, ... Learn MoreCascina Fontana Barolo 2012NZ$109.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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
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"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 2013NZ$130.00 Per itemOut of stock -
James Suckling: "A solid and structured red with tile, dark berry and black tea character and some cloves, too. Full body, tannic and rich. Needs time to soften. Well done for a 2014. Ornellaia shows its pedigree here" Robert Parker: "The ... Learn MoreTenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2014NZ$229.99 Per item -
Wine Spectator: "A taut, densely wrought red, with black currant, black cherry, iron, wild herb and spice flavours matched to the elegant frame and restrained character. " James Suckling: "The balance and beauty to this is impressive, offering sweet, ripe currants ... Learn MoreTenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2017NZ$274.99 Per item
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