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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
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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 563 Delicious Wines!

The soil here is easily recognizable as it is by far the rockiest of all the Crus . The ground is covered by small light black volcanic pumice rocks and is some of the oldest and 'purest ' as well as poorest soils on Etna. This is very rare and only appears in two of all the Cru's .. Calderara Sottana and partially San Lorenzo. "Really enticing nose with rich and ripe berries, tinged with notes of bright spice, truffley mushrooms and fresh flowers. Hint of orangey freshness, too. Medium-bodi
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This is delicious, rounder generosity that San Lorenzo offers is there yet again there is a delicacy and harmony. Very together, lovely fine acid and depth of tannin here. Still in the red fruited spectrum there is an excellent presence about this. 12 ha between 700 and 800m altitude, some 100-year old bush-vines, some new plantings which have been self-propagated from the old ones . The soil is a younger layer of volcanic rock approximately 2,500 years old on Giuseppe's area . San Lo
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Only 1,000 Bottles!
There’s a little something savoury in the mix, the tannins here whilst more pronounced are not at all in the way. Like the rest Arina and San Lorenzo this is an example of putting the fruit first. A little darker in flavours than the San Lorenzo. Yet not dramatically so. A large cru in the appellation, at around 650m, but Giuseppe has a very special parcel less than than 1 ha in size, with 100+-year-old bush vines. Dark mature profound fruit, balsamic notes, and velvety tannins as the
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I've yet to taste the 2018 Bricco San Michele. Given the quality of the Cavallina and Pitasso from 2018 I expect it will be delicious! I trusted friend in the know has devoured one and given it the thumbs up! Note for the 2021: Textural with clever use of oxidative handling to build intrigue whilst maintaining a core of vibrant fruit and mineral acidity. Citrus zest and oils with pears and a little candied ginger. White flowers dance over the top with a little savoury hit. Flowing and lus
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Heavenly🎥👀

Monteraponi ‘Baron’ Ugo’ Chianti Classico 2017

Red Blend | Tuscany, Chianti Classico

Seriously just watch the videos! The wines are as good as the setting in which they are made! I just want to go stay there and drink their Chianti! The 2017 Chianti Classico Baron'Ugo is a dark, potent wine. A rush of aromas and flavors hits the palate as this full-bodied, heady Chianti Classico offers its substantial richness and pure power. A wine of density and volume, the 2017 screams with character. Red cherry, spice, mint and blood orange saturate the palate. In 2017, warm, dry weather pus
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Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 2018

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

🍇RABAJÀ RABAJÀ RABAJÀ 🇮🇹 There’s a thread through Cortese’s wines of being well composed. The Rabajà sees a jump in sophistication depth and length. It’s such a pretty poised wine. Excellent acid balance and slatey tannins of quality and length. The aroma and flavour of Cortese Rabajà have a certain harmony to them that draws you in. There’s a lot to like here. The perfume is intoxicating. It’s the purity and translucence that shines in Cortese’s wines. Expressive for i
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Giovanni Rosso Barolo del Comune di Serralunga 2016

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

The very definition of purity. Perfume, Line & Length, Lush Mouthfeel! Giovanni Rosso’s fabulously good value Barolo Comune di Serralunga d’Alba is made from fruit grown across 8 different estate vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba. The fruit is sourced from Crus such as Cerretta and Serra, also released as single vineyard bottlings, as well as Meriame, Sorano, Costabella, and Baudana A divine Serralunga, it has everything, and, in all the right places. Those who have tried even the Langh
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A Brunello in all but name ... and, a bloody good one at that! A bold Rosso, more than a baby Brunello. Much more delicious than many a Brunello on the market. There is something quite serious happening here. Dark fruited with incredible depth and length. Although the intensity in its youth is palpable, the harmony and balance here signal that as it shifts to the next phase of development it will give much, much more. It is already incredibly complex, and, layered, dark mulberry and cherry,
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Voliero Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Sangiovese | Montalcino, Italy

The sister to the Uccelliera brother, same winery, same maker, different fruit, and personality! Many who have tasted both the Uccelliera and Voliero Brunello over a number of years remark that they prefer the Uccelliera in the cooler years, and the Voliero in the bolder years. 2016 has somehow managed to make the choice a little harder. Give this just a little time to acclimatise to the world outside the bottle and you'll be great with welcoming arms. Voliero's 2016 Brunello has wonderful sh
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Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

🍇RABAJÀ RABAJÀ RABAJÀ 🇮🇹 The 2019 Barbaresco Rabaja is a powerful, austere wine that is going to need a number of years to come around. I very much like the energy, but readers should not plan on opening a bottle any time soon, as the 2019 is seriously tannic and shut down at the moment. It’s a gorgeous Barbaresco that shows the more elegant hand that defines the approach today. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Points The Rabajà sees a jump in sophistication depth and length.
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Giuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo MAGNUM 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

A Langhe Nebb made from young vine Rabajà .. Yes it's true! Always a fun wine. Elegant and juicy fruited, with solid core of fruit wrapped in chewy tannins. It’s a playful Langhe. Typically perfumed with a savoury twang, a little orange. Loads of fun to be had here. Always better after an extra year in bottle & a good decant. Will reward 2-5 years patience. Even his Langhe Neb is young vine Rabajà!
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Vietti Castiglione Barolo 2017

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Show the class of the vineyards and the winemakers! The 2017 Barolo Castiglione is a wild, exotic wine. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon, tobacco, new leather and rose petal all flesh out in this ample, voluptuous Barolo from Vietti. The 2017 is a wine of significant heft hidden behind a wall of tannin. Give it a few years to soften or open it well in advance. Time brings out striking translucence as well as finesse. Drink 2025-2037. Galloni Luca and Elana are consistently showing the
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Well played my friends, well played! The 3rd 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 & you’re through the first couple of chapters of this book. An entrancing perfume ... the roses, baking spices, savoury lines, over a foundation of fruit. Tannins flow long & fine, beautifully weighted against the complex, layered flavour profile & energising gracefu
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Pieropan Soave ‘Calvarino’ MAGNUM 2021

White Blend | Veneto, Italy

The name 'Calvarino' translates to 'small ordeal'. Andrea Pieropan told us it was named after the hill Jesus was crucified on reflecting how difficult the soil is to work and the tortuous path which winds from top to bottom. The 2021 is the 50th Anniversary release & it is an excellent Calvarino. Vibrant and energetic with a perfume of white flowers and an excellent core of fruit. Thirst quenching. Well developed, no puppy fat here. Long and fine with a savoury twist. Chalky with a fine l
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Rocche showing the site with faded flowers, a build in tannins here over the Villero adds a significant structural element, the long even shape is present as in past years. Youthful tension and tannins will need time to relax. Wonderful nose of intensity with great depth, rich, brooding, it’s starting to offer quite a lot. Serious with delicacy.  Excellent line, length and balance. Red fruits, chocolate, faded flowers, savoury licks, great drive and persistence. GW: Ripe raspberry, dri
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Cappellano Barbera Gabutti 2015

Barbera | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

Another great Piemonte vine, another great aspect of the Gabutti vineyards. A classic Barbera, feminine in its generosity and masculine in its posture. It is characterised by a distinctive acidity which sustains softness and fruit, and delivers a vibrating tasting experience until the long finale. The wine gives the impression of partial incompleteness, of continuous change; like all the red wines with strong character it takes its time to unveil its potentiality, character, and pleasures. We ha