A native variety from France, a mutation of Pinot Noir. Small, cylindrical, compact bunch. Grey-blue, bloom-covered grapes; small, three-lobed leaves. The wine: Strong straw yellow colour. This wine opens with an aromatic bouquet. Fresh aromas of white pulp fruit, accompanied by light floral notes, foreshadow a rich and enveloping sip. This Pinot Grigio is characterised by delicate minerality, balanced by lively acidity that lends freshness to the wine.

The "Ba-Ne" is a blend of the two top red grape varieties of Piedmont: Barbera and Nebbiolo.  They work together wonderfully in a blend, Nebbiolo bringing high acidity, bold tannins, and elegance. The Barbera provides a richer body, and full plump fruit.

Abbazia's version sports an earthy nose reminiscent of terracotta, a lively wine with cola, raspberry and cherry fruits, a nutty mid palate with a long chalky finish. Superb value too!

Casa Vinicola Abbazia winery is located in Santo Stefano Belbo, a small town between Langhe Monferrato and Roero in Piedmont, Northwestern Italy. The winery was established in 1848, adjacent to an ancient Abbey built in 1028, in honour of Saint Gaudentius, the hermit saint who, around the 6th century, retired to the surrounding mountains to live a life of silence and prayer.

Founded by the Trappist Monks of the Augustinian Order in 1142, making it one of the oldest active wineries in the world, located in Alto Adige with vineyards in two towns: Brixen & Bozen.   

90% Schiava 10% Lagrein

Cultivation zone: S. Maddalena (Bolzano)
Elevation: 300 - 350 m
Soil type: Warm soils composed of moraine deposits and weathered porphyry
Aspect: South
Grape variety: 90 % Schiava, 10 % Lagrein
Training method: Pergola
Vines per hectare: 3.500
Yield per hectare: 80 hl

Tasting Note: 100% Dolcetto from 30 year old vines. Ruby red colour, full and intense nose with florals and lifted red berries. Acidity gives definition, and the wine is appealingly fresh on the palate.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Variety: Dolcetto

Region: Diano d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy

The Allegrini Valpolicella is a blend of Corvina Veronese 65%, Rondinella 30% and Molinara 5%. It is ruby red in colour, with fragrant red cherry, pepper and fine herbs on the nose. The palate is juicy and vibrant with fresh berry notes and a herbal, peppery element. This wine is an elegant and approachable blend made from some harder to find varietals,

About the producer:

"Established in 1823, our sixth-generation family-operated winery is located in Magrè, Alto Adige. We embrace biodynamic farming and offer three product lines. Our winery works with 30 grape varieties, and we’ve got a thousand and one ideas whirling through our heads – with plenty more to come."

About the Wine:

"We like fresh wines. That’s why we’ve been growing Lagrein in the little-known area of the Magrè talus cone for the last ten years. The dolomite limestone in the soils of the cone is crucial for developing the fruity, fresh and well-rounded profile of our wine. The name Conus comes from the Latin word for “cone”, alluding to the geological formation of the Magrè talus cone."

Grown 230-320m above sea level on gravel & sand with a high dolomitic lime content, vinified in cask & stainless steel.

Great Aromas of Plum, Cocoa, Licorice, spice, violet & red rose florals with woody spices.

About the Grape:

Lagrein is the decendent of Teroldego & cousin of grapes like Marzemino & Syrah.

Imagine a cool climate Syrah with high acidity & lots of gorgeous spice & savoury characteristics accompanied by violet florals.

A poised Barolo with red cherry, dried rose and savoury depth wrapped in firm, finely grained tannins. Structured and persistent, it opens beautifully with air and belongs beside braised meat, rich sauces or aged cheese.

100% Nebbiolo from the commune of Castiglione Falletto where the vines have an average age of between 35 to 50 years and grow at an altitude of 250 to 300 metres on calcareous marl soils facing south west. Vinification is in stainless steel and aging in traditional oak casks. 

Dolcetto is a one of the hidden treasures of Piemonte with its smooth rounded mouthfeel and impressive body and drinkability. This is a deliciously complex example from Dogliani in the region. 

Plantings of this grape declined in the 1990?s in favour of the more expensive, easier to market Barolo and Barberescos. It came down to money, not quality and quietly the wine world mourned. Luckily a few faithful enclaves remained faithful to the grape like in Dogliani just south of Alba.

The wine is jet black in colour with a sumptuous nose of blackberries dusted with exotic spices - fruity with great length and structure.

This lovely smooth Chardonnay is made with grapes grown on the Castello della Sala Estate, which surrounds the medieval castle at Castello della Sala in the region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany. 

The vineyards here are planted in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which both grow well in the clay soils here. 

The 2019 Bramìto Chardonnay is characterized by delicate white flower notes followed by light sensations of citrus fruit. The palate is crisp, fresh and full bodied with lovely mineral notes which provide a long finish with flavours of ripe peach and notes of soft creaminess. 

This wine is sealed with a screwcap; a modern touch used on many wines from Marchese Antinori. 

A great Italian red from one of the oldest family owned wineries in the world, which has produced wine since the 1200s. This expressive Chianti Classico is dense and complex with piquant spicy aromas, firm impressive tannins and the energy of a great red from one of the world's classic wine regions.

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Deep, concentrated marasca cherry and cherry liqueur with a minty, oaky note and a hint of cinnamon. A concentrated cherry-fruit palate layered with minty oak notes and lots of sandy tannins building up on the tangy finish. Will disappoint no one."

16.5/20 – Jancis Robinson Purple Pages

Smooth, fruity Italian red blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes. This Tuscan wine is a lovely introduction to the great world of Italian reds in the Antinori stable; a family company that has been continuously producing wine back to the 1300s.

What the critics say...

"It's delightfully fruited and fragrant on the nose with dark plum."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

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.