Location

Italy

Ahhh … Italy! Home of renaissance literature, philosophy, science and some of the most heart warming food in the world. From North to South it would be a fair guess to say the only thing outnumbering churches and Vespa’s are the vast areas of vineyards.

One thing is certain, you’ll never run short of choice!

First Records of Wine Production – Go back millennia!

Founding Figures – The Greek colonisation marked a shift from vine grown in the wild to planned viticulture around 800 BC the Romans dramatically expanded production around 200 BC. The Italians never looked back!

Area Planted – Around 700,000 hectares making around 19% of the world’s wine!

Number of Wineries – Soave alone is made by 3,500 producers. That’s around the same number of wineries as in all of Australia! From gargistes to industrial scale conglomerates every Italian has a winemaker in the family.

Established Regions – Every region in Italy produces wine! The most prestigious region Piedmont is home to the stunning Nebbiolos of Barolo & Barbaresco. The Chianti and Brunello of Tuscany following hot on Piedmont’s heals. These are just a drop in the ocean!

In typical Italian style the classification systems of each region vary and are often skewed by influential persons with much to gain over the quality of the industry. As always we need to rely on our taste buds as the ultimate decider of quality!

Most Common VarietiesIn his book ‘Native Wine Grapes of Italy’ Ian D’Agata documents around 500 Italian grape varieties, by no means the complete set! Around 350 of these have been granted authorized status. There’s plenty to try! We’ve seen a push to save some of the notable, rare varietals like the white Nascetta and Arneis from Piedmont. 

Whilst we have seen an ingress of French Varietals, the most notable being the Cabernet Varietals + Syrah used to make the Super Tuscans, the Italians have, by and large stayed true to their roots.

White – Whites of note: Arneis (Piedmont), Cataratto (Sicily), Fiano (southwest coast), Friulano (Friuli), Gargenaga (Veneto – the Soave grape), Greco di Tufo (southwest coast), Malvasia Bianca (throughout Italy), Moscato Blanc (Piedmont), Pecorino (Abruzzo), Pinot Grigo (Why?), Ribolla Gialla (Friulli), Trebbiano (Abruzzo), Verdicchio (Marche) and Vermentino (Sardinia, Tuscany and Liguria).

Red – Aglianico (Campania), Barbera (Piedmont), Corvina blended with Rondinella to make Amarone, Dolcetto (Piedmont), Malvasia Nera (Puglia), Montepuliciano (Tuscany), Nebbiolo (Piedmont), Negaromaro (Puglia), Nero d’Avola (Sicily), Primitivo (Puglia), Sagrantino (Umbria) and Sangiovese (Tuscany).

Up and Coming Regions – Beyond Barolo and Barbaresco, around the world we have seen Amarone, Chianti, Soave, Prosecco, Verdicchio and the wines of Puglia gain strong recognition. In recent times the increasing cost of Barolo in particular has seen exploration of Nebbiolo from Alto Piedmonte and Valtellina. At the opposite end of the country, in part due to the investment of heavy hitters like ‘Barolo Boy’ Marco di Grazie (Terre Nere) and Andrea Franchetti (Passopisciaro) the Nerello Mascelese (red) and Carricante (white) wines of Etna, Sicily have become world recognised. Nerello Mascelese being described as some as the Barolo of the South or a cross between Nebbiolo and Pinot. I prefer to call it delicious!


A Treasure Hunt for the Lost Whites of Italy!


Timorasso ~ Nascetta ~ Erbaluce

3 Italian Whites Saved from Extinction!

Of the thousands of grape varieties that exist, and even more clones of each variety, few make it into our glass.

Many have been lost. Economic reality making them not viable.

Advances in viticulture, changes in climate and the passion of a few individuals have saved a few!

For that we are thankful!


Timorasso


The Saviours

Walter & Claudio along with their shared cellarmaster ‘Pigi’ are both the saviours & masters of Timorasso! The hold some of the oldest plantings making wine of great complexity, texture. Composed & full of personality.

Walter describes his Derthona as a “Modern Antique”.

Delicious!

Vigneti Massa Timorasso ‘Derthona’ 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

From near extinction the Massa family have saved Timorasso, for that I am truly thankful! Massa's Derthona is the perfect introduction to the variety. It's alway more complete than the 'Picolo Derthona' with a build in richness, more golden colour. Delicious, saline minerality, excellent acid profile, build in phenolics and carry through to a cleansing silvery line of bitterness + apricot kernel. The 2019 is another success from Massa & Piggy. A bolder slightly riper incarnation than the
$94
$90ea in any 3+
$86ea in any 6+

Claudio Mariotto ‘Pitasso’ Derthona Timorasso 2018

Timorasso | Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

Where the Cavallina has overt generosity and power, the fruit depth and length of the Pitasso are more than its equal, with an edge of sophistication that lends to a more restrained feel. The power is all there, showing superb linear fruit and exceptional, fine acid. This lingers forever! Stunning mouthfeel, leveling up on the harmony in comparison to the delicious Cavallina. This is very, very good. Effortless and composed. The flavours start with ripe pear, build and layer as you swallow and c
$102
$97ea in any 3+
$92ea in any 6+

The Friends & Lovers

Vietti, Oddero and Roagna are amongst the great names that have recognised just how unique & delicious the wines made from Timorasso are & have put the passion in a glass!

Vietti Derthona Timorasso Colli Tortonesi 2020

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

The latest addition to the Vietti portfolio sees a white from the eastern most border of the Piedmont region. A perfect fit for Vietti with regard to their history of working with varietals of merit that for one reason or another have diminished over time. Timorasso makes beautiful wine the Massa is a cracker. I can't wait to try Vietti's version. With a wonderful array of flavours, textures, and, wonderful acidity the variety is loaded with personality & intrigue. For the 2019: Th
$80
$76ea in any 3+
$72ea in any 6+

Roagna Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2019

Timorasso | Colli Tortonesi, Italy

A grape variety saved by saved by Massa & on the rise! With Vietti, Roagna and Borgogno adding their names to those making Timorasso, it's clear something special is happening in Derthona (the old name for Tortona). 'The 2019 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is bright, transparent and super-expressive. Luca Roagna's Timorasso is one of the most refined versions. I have tasted of Timorasso, which is usually a much more rustic white wine.' Antonio Galloni, Vinous
$215
$205ea in any 3+
$195ea in any 6+

Nascetta


The Saviour

Elvio Cogno with his plantings in Novello, Barolo is turning out intoxicating wines from Nascetta. As he says they need a year or 2 in bottle to reveal their full potential. Grab a 2019 to drink now and 2020 next summer!


Erbaluce


The Champion

Erbaluce can make many styles of from sparkling, late harvest & passito wines.

Antoniolo’s is a wonderfully fresh and crunchy dry white style. The 2020 has settled, resolving beautifully over the last 6 months and is in a wonderful place.

Perfect summer drinking.

Filters & Sorting

Showing 562 Delicious Wines!

Luigi Pira Barolo del Commune di Serralunga 2018

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

I recall being impressed by Pira's 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo a couple of years on and the Barolo 'Commune di Serralunga' is impressing too! Openning in the glass with vibrant red fruits, tea, a little earthiness, slate, licorice and more. The layered density of the fruit with zippy acid has you salivating for more. The tannins are composed and front, mid-palate dominant, that slate comes through here to. Tight at the moment with 3-5 years it should fall into place, the juicy acid marry into the wine
$119
$114ea in any 3+
$109ea in any 6+
What a way to start DOCG Barolo!

Massolino Barolo DOCG 2019

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Italy

Diam. First produced in 1911, the fruit for Massolino’s classic cuvée is selected from seven sites across roughly seven hectares of prime-sited Serralunga vineyards. The most important of these sites—Briccolina, Collareto, Broglio and Le Turne—are dotted around the town itself (Le Turne borders Margheria, while Collareto lies next to Vigna Rionda)—so we are talking quality real estate. The 2019 also includes a little declassified fruit from Massolino’s Parussi Cru. Vine age varies fro
$119
$114ea in any 3+
$109ea in any 6+
Masculine Precise

Domenico Clerico Barolo 2013

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo (sub-region)

From one of the Barolo Boys, it's only fitting that 2013 has ended up as the release in the year of Domenico's Passing A Barolo with a great purity of darker fruit, hints of tar, and, a perfumed lift of violets. Just a lick of oak adding to the wine's complexity. Lovely generosity and length of fruit. Long even tannins.
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+

Oddero Barbaresco ‘Gallina’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

After 3 days open this came into its own and really shone. The tannins have softened a little, harmonising with the fruit. The wine has resolved to reveal a balance, beauty and perfume that sat shy on first opening! Some serious quality here. Vibrant and energetic Slatey mineral chalky nature. Excellent mouth-coating tannins that are fine with great line and length. Juicy acid ramps up some juicy fruit. Excellent elevage.  The lasting note is fruit, red and fun. That little splash of perfume sp
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+

Albino Rocca ‘Ronchi’ Barbaresco 2017

Nebbiolo | Barbaresco, Italy

Wow! Tagged as the best holding of the estate you can see why! “The 2017 Barbaresco Ronchi is terrific. Dark, ample and resonant, the Ronchi envelops all the senses from the very first taste. Succulent red cherry, plum, rose petal, spice, mint and licorice all build as the Ronchi shows off its considerable allure. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine from the Rocca family.” Antonio Galloni
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+

Cogno Barolo ‘Cascina Nuova’ 2017

Nebbiolo | Novello, Italy

A very pretty entry-level offering from Elvio Cogno. Bright red berry and lifted floral notes pair nicely with the wine's gracious, mid-weight feel. Silky tannins match the wine's finely sculpted, saline-infused personality. "The 2017 Barolo Cascina Nuova is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Bright red-toned fruit, crushed rose petal and mint open in the glass. The tannins are a bit grainy, but I would not push my luck too far on aging." Antonio Galloni, Vinous
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+

Oddero Barbaresco ‘Gallina’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Neive, Italy

Oddero are doing such a wonderful job with this vineyard! Youthful and in need of a decant if you crack it young. Everything is there and in the right places. Energetic, vibrant red fruits, with a pleasant grip, hints of tar and an expressive perfume. Loads of fun to be had here. The best Barbaresco's from 2019 make for exhilarating drinking. Paul Kaan, WINE DECODED The 2019 Barbaresco Gallina is a very pretty, effusive wine. Crushed raspberry, flowers, mint and sweet pipe tobacco a
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+
Delicious, Elegant and Sophisticated!
Alessandro looked after the Bartolo-Mascarello vineyards & wines for 20years! We're talking one of the cult producers of Barolo! Personality+++ An elegance here, perfume lifting from the glass. Savoury with a splash of chocolate, black tea, blood orange wrapped around a core of bright red fruits. This is just divine drinking right now. A demonstration in just how well young Barolo can drink. Well through puberty, excellent development, plenty of intrigue, layered aromas drawing you in. Li
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+

E. Pira (Chiara Boschis) Langhe Nebbiolo 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

From Ravera in Monforte. As the vines age they will make Barolo! From Ravera in Monforte, this is made from the youngest vines (that will eventually be made as Barolo) and is made the same way as her three Barolos and then aged in barriques for twelve months. As a baby Barolo, this has some serious pedigree with rich, plush fruit of red berries with crushed flowers. Hard to beat for the money and an ‘affordable’ cellaring option.
$120
$115ea in any 3+
$110ea in any 6+
They understand the rule book so have thrown it away only to be used when they know they need to. I guess that's what 150 years of making wine can give you! The 2016 of this was a cracker. True to the vintage & site with bold yet refined structure. The 2019 is again a cracker and true to vintage. This time all grace and elegance from what is proving a classic year. Beautifully weighted, the body of this slightly warmer vineyard with the clarity and sophistication of 2019 Barbaresco. Rich
$121
$116ea in any 3+
$111ea in any 6+
The only white ‘Grand Cru’ that Marco makes. Unlike Terre Nere's Etna Bianco DOC, which is made up of a blend of 5 white grapes, the “Vigne Niche” selection is only Carricante. Complete. Seamless, fine, delicious, flowing, complex. beautifully developed fruit with such finely textured, refreshing acidity. A great way to finish a divine set of white contrade from Marco. With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come wit
$121
$116ea in any 3+
$111ea in any 6+

Barale Barbaresco ‘Serraboella’ 2020

Nebbiolo | Neive, Barbaresco

A bolder year than 2019 with thirst quenching fine acid and fresh fruit with an underlying richness. It’s the tannins here that shine. Not a lick of oak here. Epic quality long even with excellent fruit and tannin length. The flow through the range is just so impressive. Slatey with a little dark edge. Red dark cherry a little spice and orange zest. Here Barbaresco is on show with its incisive tannins with a clearly bolder version Serraboella on show. Delicious. ***Due 2nd Half August 202
$122
$117ea in any 3+
$112ea in any 6+

Barale Barolo del Commune di Barolo 2019

Nebbiolo | Italy, Barolo

The 2018 is an impressive wine. Equally the 2019 has lovely flow, gently building a beautiful mid-weight wine of harmony and sophistication. Simply so easy to devour. A light dusting of delicate mid-palate tannin. Sour cherry, a lick of cocoa, savoury with a little salty blood. Divine. Lovely perfume, beautifully developed whilst retaining excellent energy and freshness. The fruit for this wine comes from Castellero, Preda and Coste di Rose  in the Commune of Barolo. ***Due 2nd Half August
$122
$117ea in any 3+
$112ea in any 6+
Le Baroncole is made from 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo grapes. The initial stages of its production are the same as Chianti Classico but it is then aged in barriques for between 16 to 20 months, bottled unfiltered and held for a further six months prior to release. The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole (a certified organic wine) shows bright fruit with summer cherry and redcurrant. It offers textural heft and weight. Its Riserva status (with extended aging) is well noted. With tim
$122
$117ea in any 3+
$112ea in any 6+

Paolo Scavino Barolo 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Italy

Scavino’s 2019 Barolo is a very pretty, classically-built wine. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, white pepper and chalk give the 2019 an attractive upper register of brightness to match its taut, mid-weight personality. This is a rare straight Barolo that will benefit from a bit of time in bottle. Drink 2024-2031 Antonio Galloni, Vinous 90 Points The Paolo Scavino 2019 Barolo (with Enrico Scavino's signature on the front label) was a little slow to open and showed some reducti
$122
$117ea in any 3+
$112ea in any 6+
The 1st Commune di Verduno Barolo from Fratelli Alessandria! This is a hero statement for the 2017 vintage! Well played my friends, well played! The first 100% Verduno Barolo from Fratelli Alessandria and it’s a beauty. Take the Prinsiot, already excellent, add another couple of layers of development, greater depth of tannin and you’re through the first couple of chapters of this book. A lot going on here. Complex, earthy truffle pops, dark fruit, long linear palate with exceptional mid-pala
$123
$118ea in any 3+
$113ea in any 6+