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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
$94
$90ea in any 3+
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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
$102
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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
$80
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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
$215
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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 579 Delicious Wines!

Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2018

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Perfumed and dark with a with great presence on palate. Dusty chalky tannins matched with an excellent core of fruit! Perfumed and dark with a with great presence on palate. Dusty chalky tannins matched with an excellent core of fruit. Anise and tar with a little pleasant snappiness. The tannins sit on the edgy side of the spectrum. Overall a cracker Langhe of good value.
$61
$59ea in any 3+
$57ea in any 6+

Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

The Perfect Way to Get an Early Read on the 2019 Vintage! Vajra make such a pretty Langhe Neb. Playful with a little serious undertone, the same layered tannin at it's level as came through in the 2019 Burlotto. Violets and flowers, bright crunchy fruit, a hit of baking spice. An edge to the mouthfeel that sits nicely with a wave of fresh fennel and a splash of aniseed. Loads of fun to be had here! The magic 8 ball thinks Vintage 2019 will be tasty! This wine is our quest for the innocence of N
$61
$58ea in any 3+
$55ea in any 6+

Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2019

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Perfumed energetic red fruits. Dusty chalky tannins matched with an excellent core of fruit! Perfumed energetic red fruits. Dusty chalky tannins matched with an excellent core of fruit! There's a delicacy to the fruit with a edgy bent to the tannins that perhaps have another layer compared to the 2018. Liking the development here. Fun place to play in the Neb world!
$61
$58ea in any 3+
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Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2020

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

A great way to introduce both Nebbiolo & Poderi Oddero to your MOUTH! Tasted this with Pietro Oddero @ WINE DECODED HQ, Nov 2022 This is not meant to be a baby Barolo, it will pants many a Barolo! As has been the case with every vintage of this wine I've drunk so far, it has a wonderful perfumed, energetic red fruits and excellent flow across the palate. One of the biggest differences between vintages tends to be the tannins and the texture. The 2020 plush and fine. Try this over a few days!
$61
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NEXT SHIPMENT MARCH 2024

Borgogno Langhe Nebbiolo 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Great drinking here, fine, long, even, and harmonious. Beautifully weighted and long. The texture and level of development have this looking like a very complete wine! Cherry, almond, spice, plenty of fragrance here, liquorice root, and a little new leather. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and lively, pops with red fruit and supple dusty tannin, a little rose oil in the mix, and a ferrous/stony finish of quiet succulence and excellent length. Classic.  Gary Walsh, The Wine Front 93+ Point
$61
$58ea in any 3+
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Vietti ‘Perbacco’ Langhe Nebbiolo 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

Galloni's interpretation intrigues. The knowledge of the Monforte component in the blend partially explains the bold nature of the tannins. I suspect there are pressings from the Cru Barolos in here. It will require a little patience to unfurl, relax and show its full potential. All of the components are there. Time will see them dial into the right levels, the superb core of fruit develop and the tannins soften. Aromas of grape marc, earthiness, and a little spice wraps dark & brood
Original price was: $67.Current price is: $61.
$58ea in any 3+
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Gini Soave ‘La Froscà’ 2015

Garganega | Veneto, Italy

A more typical Soave style than the Salvarenza, beautifully built on a frame of quality fruit. Pear and citrus are cleansed by a very typical and lovely silvery line of bitterness. Long with a lovely mid-palate. A great mid-palate is a sign of a good wine!
$62
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Cascina Roccalini Langhe Nebbiolo 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barbaresco

When a young winery pop's up a little leg work is required to suss them out. Obviously, the most important thing is what's in the glass. Let's add the other bits of the equation though. The vineyards are right next to Olek Bondonio's joint, they used to supply their Neb to Dante Scaglione at Bruno Giacosa for ten years, and Dante helped them start their own venture. BOOM! Back to the vino. The starting point of their 3 wine range. Young vine Neb, destined to become Barbaresco when the vineyar
$63
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Giuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo 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!
$64
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The Pink Link 🌹

Terre Nere Etna Rosato 2022

Red Blend | Sicily, Etna

100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun! Ultra pale onion-peel pink. Herbs, almond paste, fresh flowers and cherry skin on the fresh nose. Then bright and juicy in the mouth too, with a subtle gingery bite to the red fruit and herb flavors. Closes long and saline. 100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun!
$64
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A steal for the price

Terre Nere Etna Bianco 2022

White Blend | Sicily, Etna

A lovely Etna Bianco that mercifully doesn’t taste of Chardonnay or other varieties that have no place on Etna. A steal for the price. Harmonious, lively aromas and flavours of white stone fruit and aromatic herbs. Bright and juicy, with a refreshing saline bite on the long smooth finish. Remarkably fresh and easy to drink. This is a steal for the price.
$64
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Yet another successful 'Costa Bassa' from Fay! Thoughts read pretty much the same as for the delicious 2019. Loads of pleasure here, the harmony, and, the inviting, drink me, nature of the wine is just the beginning. It really has everything in all the right places. Excellent. Got that whole alpine thing going on. Excellent weight and shape to it. Playful dusty chalky slightly chewy tannins with fine boned acid. Sour cherry with licorice a hint of smoke, resinous. A thirst quencher with epic
$64
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Fèlsina Chianti Classio DOCG ‘Beradenga’ 2021

Sangiovese | Tuscany, Castelnuovo Berardenga UGA

The Perfect intro to the Fascinating Chiantis of Fèlsina! I have to agree with Galloni, the 2021 shows a welcome level of refinement and sophistication. Dark and brooding spice with sour cherries, lovely tannins. A lot going on here. Layered, with excellent drive and energy. Fine acid. It’s the intensity with the finesse, the richness yet elegance. It seems almost a wine in two parts. Lovely shape to the palate, linear yet with some excellent mid-palate generosity. This is the perfect frie
$64
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$58ea in any 6+
Verduno Fruit
Trying Langhe Neb's made with fruit from just one Commune is a great way to dial into the characteristics of that Commune The Langhe Nebbiolo is a the perfect intro to the Nebbiolo range from Alessandria. “Prinsiòt”, a Piedmontese dialect noun that means little princes, it’s the historical nickname given to our family by the inhabitants of Verduno. This Nebbiolo, that takes origin in the vineyards “Sotto Orti” , “Campasso” and “Neirane” all in Verduno. A perfume of ro
$65
$61ea in any 3+
$57ea in any 6+
Verduno Fruit
Trying Langhe Neb's made with fruit from just one Commune is a great way to dial into the characteristics of that Commune The Langhe Nebbiolo is a the perfect intro to the Nebbiolo range from Alessandria. “Prinsiòt”, a Piedmontese dialect noun that means little princes, it’s the historical nickname given to our family by the inhabitants of Verduno. This Nebbiolo, that takes origin in the vineyards “Sotto Orti” , “Campasso” and “Neirane” all in Verduno. Cracking P1SS.
$65
$61ea in any 3+
$57ea in any 6+
Verduno Fruit
Trying Langhe Neb's made with fruit from just one Commune is a great way to dial into the characteristics of that Commune The Langhe Nebbiolo is a the perfect intro to the Nebbiolo range from Alessandria. “Prinsiòt”, a Piedmontese dialect noun that means little princes, it’s the historical nickname given to our family by the inhabitants of Verduno. This Nebbiolo, that takes origin in the vineyards “Sotto Orti”, “Campasso” and “Neirane” all in Verduno. The 2020 is taug
$65
$62ea in any 3+
$59ea in any 6+