Vinupetra : a Sicilian dialect word meaning "wine produced in stony soil." The vineyard is cultivated by hand using natural products. No biotechnology is used in the winemaking process. District: Porcaria in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia – Etna Nord at 580 meters above sea level. Parcel: VignaCalderara. Grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese 80%, Nerello Cappuccio 10%, Granache & Francisi 10%.

Number of screws approximately:  3,800

Land area: approximately 0.38 hectares

Density of vines per hectare: 10,000

Vine Age: Over a hundred years old, on its own rootstock, with part replanted in 2005

Vineyard cultivation: Albanello di Etna (Etna Bush Vine method) with Etna chestnut support.

Average yeild per hectare:  9,000kg

Average liters of wine produced per hectare:  6,000L

Average total number of 0.75 l bottles produced: 3,100

Harvest period: second ten days of October

Vinification: Pressing of the grapes, 30% of which with the stems. Maceration on the skins for at least 15 days in a 2500-liter wooden vat.

Yeasts: addition of native yeasts (Pied de cuve)

Duration of alcoholic fermentation: 10 days

Aging period: in 225 and 500 litre barrels for 12 months

Filtration: only during bottling

Clarification: natural decantation

Decanting during refinement number: 6

Addition of sulfur dioxide: in small doses before fermentation and bottling

Average alcohol content: 13.5%

Average total acidity grams per litre: 6.5

Average pH: 3.35

Total sulfur in freshly bottled wine (mg/l) average: 60

Bottling: in May of the second year following the harvest

First Year of Production: 2001

Hand harvested, fermented in Palmiento aged in underground amphorae. The vineyard is biodynamic and only minimal filtration takes place through a wicker basket. Ruby red color. Notes of red berry fruit, raspberry and cherry predominate on the nose. On the palate it is fresh and soft, with a well present but velvety tannin. A well balanced wine.

100% Negroamaro from Contrada Monte La Conca, between San Marzano and Francavilla Fontana. The soils here are finely textured red soils thanks to the presence of iron oxides and the vines are head-trained bush vines, grown at a density of 500 vines per hectare. The grapes are harvested manually with small baskets and experience maceration for 18 days on 80% of the mass followed by 25 days on 20%, with native yeasts selected in the vineyard. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 24-26 °C and maturation follows in French and Caucasian oak barriques for 12 months.

Deep purple red in colour with a rich and complex bouquet that shows hints of spice, soft fruit and cherry jam. The palate is full-bodied, smooth and balanced with fine tannins, and a pleasantly long finish.

Best served with red meats, game and mature cheeses.

This is a great red to drink on a cool night with its dense, dark and delicious flavours, thanks to the hot climate it comes from in Salento in the region of Puglia in southern Italy. This wine is made from Italy's Negroamaro grape, which is widely planted there around the warm southern Mediterranean.

It tastes full bodied, smooth as velvet and tastes of plush plum flavours, sweet licorice and has a dry finish.

Ciù Ciù Arbinus Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOP Classico is a fine Italian white wine originating from the Marche region. It is made from 100% Verdicchio grapes grown in the hills surrounding the medieval town of Jesi. The wine has a delicate pale yellow color with greenish hues and a pleasing and complex aroma with floral notes, aromas of peach, and a mineral sensation. The taste is intense, fresh, and balanced with a long finish that is citrusy. This wine is perfect for pairing with seafood, white meat, and fresh cheeses. This DOC Classico is one of the most appreciated Verdicchio wines and has won many awards in Italy and internationally.

This wine comes from the Piana Rotaliano area in the Adige Valley, tucked between the Dolomites. Despite numerous attempts to acclimatise it in other regions, Teroldego remains deeply bound to its mountains and the unique environment of the Piana Rotaliana. Think Cru Beaujolais in terms of style, with plenty of fruit but enough structure and complexity to back it up. This is a fruit forward wine with complexity, length and structure. Biodynamic and organic.

Grosjean's velvety Gamay from north east Italy tastes ideal with cured meats such as salami, prosciutto and Italian soups.

Gamay's smooth red fruited flavours and lifted red floral perfume are best known from France's Beaujolais region but here's an Italian take on the same theme from the dramatic beauty of the Valle d'Aoste in north east Italy. Grosjean is a small volume, high quality focussed producer, which makes this wine from grapes grown between 700 and 850 metres above sea level on steep sunny mountainous slopes.

The Grosjean family traces its roots back to the village of Fornet in the high mountain passes of the Valle d’Aosta known as Valgrisenche where they raised cattle. During the summer months, the family cultivated grapes and chestnuts on the slopes at a lower altitude, stocking up on wine to supply themselves over the long winters. In 1969, Dauphin Grosjean, the father of the five sons that now collaborate to produce the wines of this estate, was encouraged to present his wine at the local “wine expo”. The exceptional quality of his work was recognized and the entire family became engaged in the expansion of the vineyards and in the production of wine.

The estate has now grown to encompass seven hectares of vineyards. The domaine is located in the hamlet of Ollignan on the border of the towns of Quart and Saint Christophe and includes “cru” vineyard sites such as Tzeriat, Rovettaz, Creton, and Touren in Quart, plus Tzantè de Bagnere, Merletta and Castello di Pleod in Saint Christophe. After starting out with the traditional Petit Rouge along with some Gamay, Pinot Noir and Petite Arvine, the Grosjeans have planted other local varietals such as Fumin, Cornalin, Premetta and Vuillermin.

Sustainable farming techniques have been in place since 1975: only organic fertilizers are applied and no pesticides or herbicides are used. Natural yeasts are utilized for fermentation.

Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco is a distinctive and complex white wine from Sicily.

 It is made from a blend of two native grape varieties: Albanello and Zibibbo. The grapes are handpicked from sustainably managed vineyards and fermented with natural yeasts. The resulting wine displays aromas of citrus, white flowers, and herbs, coupled with a minerality and saline character that is characteristic of the Sicilian terroir. It has a rich, full-bodied texture and a crisp acidity that balances out the wine's unique character. This wine pairs well with seafood, light pasta dishes, and fresh salads. It's a must-try for those who appreciate authentic and expressive wines.

From the hills of Pic St Loup, this is ample, round and fresh with lovely, structured tannins. Rich and complex on the nose, the palate is equally enticing with notes of black plum, black cherries and baking spices. 

 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

Susumaniello is an Italian red grape from Puglia in the south of Italy and is known for its enticing aromas of red berries, blueberries and a savoury finish. It is related to the Garganega grape from Veneto in the north. Expect a fresh, fruity, dry and highly drinkable wine in this one - and you won't be disappointed.