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
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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
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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
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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
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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!

Feel the La Morra!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo CORK 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

From the Perfume of Barbaresco, the Barolo shifts to a savoury, earthy profile, the richness of La Morra fruit shining through! 80% La Morra. Immediate generosity has it open for action but so much more. A little chocolate and little coffee, savoury bits on dark fruit. There is a lot going on here with layers of flavours and tannins. The depth and length are impressive. Wonderful harmony and presence. Full, dense and obviously really bright. Rose, maraschino, fleshy red plum/red prune. More
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Cogno Barolo ‘Cascina Nuova’ 2016

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. I've been watching Cogno for a while now. Cogno's wines are down the traditional wine with modern fermentation tech, stainless steel. The wines are clean, not clinical, the élévage, largely time in large old wood makes for beautifully developed wines. Fine and feminine, th
$125
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Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 2017

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

🍇RABAJÀ RABAJÀ RABAJÀ 🇮🇹 There’s a thread through Cortese’s wines of being well composed. 2017 Rabaja shows an edge to the tannins that sits in line with the fruit weight and well come together nicely in the next couple of years. The aroma and flavour of Cortese Rabaja have a certain harmony to them that draws you in. There’s a lot to like here. Dark cherry and liquorice are play with hits of blood orange and tea. Perfume is intoxicating. It’s the purity and translucence that
$125
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Domenico Clerico Barolo 2017

Nebbiolo | Monforte d'Alba, Italy

A massive surprise, the oak is no longer the dominant feature of the Clerico wines. Hoo fucken’ ray! We have balance! I can see fruit, I can see the Commune and I can happily swallow the beverage and want to go back for another sniff. I couldn’t even say that about the 2016’s. So what’s going on? Domenico did so much to help revitalise Barolo, it would however be fair to say that after the early revolution, evolution was very slow. The wines often dominated by overt oak and tough tannins
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Luigi Pira Barolo del Commune di Serralunga 2019

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
$125
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SCREW CAP Bottling for 🇦🇺

Giovanni Sordo Barolo SCREW CAP 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

From the Perfume of Barbaresco, the Barolo shifts to a savoury, earthy profile, the richness of La Morra fruit shining through! 80% La Morra. Immediate generosity has it open for action but so much more. A little chocolate and little coffee, savoury bits on dark fruit. There is a lot going on here with layers of flavours and tannins. The depth and length are impressive. Wonderful harmony and presence. Full, dense and obviously really bright. Rose, maraschino, fleshy red plum/red prune. More
$125
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Marcarini Barolo ‘La Serra’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

'La Morra is most often a horror zone for me when it comes to Barolo, fine light wines, beefed up with way too much oak. Marcarini is one of the beautiful exceptions to that. So fine, and finely etched. Red fruits, roses, mint, almond, subtle five spice perfume. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and precise, fine brick dust and peppery tannin, quiet succulence of strawberry and other red fruits, spice and liquorice root, long cool finish. So lovely. Energy and charm. Love this wine. And there’s more
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🇮🇹A Vajra Classic 🍷

Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo (sub-region)

If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishe
$127
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Feel the La Morra!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Powerful fruit, grape first rich with fine zippy acid. Tight and looking for time to fully resolve. Everything is in its place. Excellent length and depth. Full round fruit shape from beginning to end. A little edge to the tannin and a fine pleasant bitter line to finish. Beautifully perfumed, fennel, a little anise, woody herbs and a light chocolate layer on a core of red and dark fruits. 80% La Morra
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Due April-May 2024
I first had the junior wine of this back in 1994 while studying winemaking in Adelaide. Over the decades it has become more refined. A great expression of Barbera. Those in the know will tell you that good vineyards planted to Barbera in Asti will beat the bounty of average sites that have been planted to the variety in Alba. "The 2021 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is exceptional. Bright, red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. In recent times V
$128
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Cogno Barolo ‘Cascina Nuova’ 2018

Nebbiolo | Novello, Italy

"Floral aromas of rose and iris mingle with red berry and tilled earth on this perfumed red. Elegantly structured, the vibrant palate offers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and star anise before a savory, almost salty finish. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it balanced. Drink through 2030." Kerin O'Keefe
$129
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Albino Rocca ‘Ronchi’ Barbaresco 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

Wow! Tagged as the best holding of the estate you can see why! Tasting this 6 months after Galloni, it looks to be resolving and very nicely so! Still dark and brooding, all of the components are there in the right place at the right volume. Red and dark fruit with baking spice marry a perfume that builds with time in the glass. Sophisticated yet intense with a core of fruit, savoury and eathy layers matched to fine grape tannins & acid. Balanced and together, a classic. Impressive stuff.
$129
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Cascina Luisin Barabaresco ‘Rabajà’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Barbaresco, Italy

Vinification for the ‘Rabaja’ is essentially the same as for ‘Paolin’, although there is more frequent racking during the first week or so of fermentation to gently extract the tannins. Maturation is in oak of varying capacity from 20hl to 50hl for 30 months. Very expressive bouquet with elements of cherry, anise, rose petal and tobacco. While still beautifully elegant and aromatic, this is certainly a more structured and coiled Barbaresco, with intense chalky tannins and a compensating
$130
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Cascina Luisin Barabaresco ‘Asili’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Barbaresco, Italy

The fruit for this wine comes from the mostly south-facing aspect of the Asili cru, with an average vine age of 55 years. The winemaking is similar to the other Barbarescos. This is perhaps the most compelling of the Luisin Barbarescos, with a textbook Nebbiolo red colour and an intriguing bouquet of so many elements that all come together in harmony. Classic varietal characters of liquorice root, rose petal and anise, alongside brighter fruit aromas of pomegranate, cherry and raspberry, with
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Luigi Pira Barolo ‘Margheria’ 2017

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

All south-facing and sitting at 340 metres, vinification is the same as the Barolo ‘Serralunga’. Intense and complex nose with notes of fruit and flowers and hints of leather and fresh hay, while on the palate it’s perfectly knit and very distinctive, red fruited in style with ironstone, choc-cherry, roses and some of the darker notes of cola and porcini, along with textural red plum-skin, grippy, black-tea tannins that underpin, but it’s still generous and very approachable now.
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2010! That's Right!

Giovanni Sordo Barolo 2010

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Here’s a wine that it pays to know the inside story. Many of you know Sordo currently has 8 Cru wines with more in the pipeline. The two most recent additions have been their Monprivato and Villero. Although they have had worked with the vineyards and fruit for decades they haven’t bottled them individually. So where did the fruit end up? In 2010 it ended up right here in the Barolo Classico and it shows! The La Morra portion, the majority is Galina. With fruit from the likes of Scarrone
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