Italy
Although Italy’s winemaking history goes back over 2500 years, it is only since the second world war that their wines have become known outside the country.
Wine was always considered to be part of a meal and for many was a significant portion of their caloric intake. As Italian incomes rose, wine became less of a food staple and more of a social beverage, albeit still enjoyed with a meal. Per capita consumption of wine fell from a high of 120 litres per person annually in the early 70’s to under 40 litres per person today. This meant that Italian winemakers were forced to find export markets for their products. Inexpensive Chianti and Lambrusco were the first to conquer the export markets in the 70’s. Later, Brunello, Barolo, Amarone and the Super-Tuscans showed that Italy could produce high quality wines for which consumers would pay top dollar.
One of Italy’s greatest strengths is its huge range of local grapes. There may be over 350 autochthonous varieties, although the top 10 account for about 40% of all vineyard acreage. These include Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Montepulciano, Cattarato, Barbera and Glera.
Showing all 41 results
-
Armilla Brunello di Montalcino 2020
Dark black cherry color indicating the ripeness of the vintage. Nose is expressive and big with cherry and notes of licorice and dates. Mouthcoatingly smooth and with more ripe cherry, toast and mineral on the palate. The finish sticks to the teeth and is long. The balance of the fruit, alcohol, oak and acidity work perfectly together to form a finish that easily lasts 45 seconds. The tannins are ripe, but firm.
$79.95 -
Banfi Col di Sasso 2024
Col di Sasso, which translates to “Stony Hill,” is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes cultivated in hillside vineyards in the southern part of Tuscany. The Cabernet imparts bold flavor and body, while the Sangiovese adds zesty fruit and structure.
$20.50 -
Cantine Rallo Bianca di Evro 2024
The Evrò name pays homage to the Queen Bianca of Navarra (The White Queen) who was the queen consort of the King of Sicily during the reign of William I (1154-1166) and regent during the minority of her son William II. Her history is intertwined with the castle of Alcamo portrayed on the label.
$28.50 - Sale!
Cantine Rallo Nero d’Avola Il Manto 2023
Grown organically from the family vineyards in Alcamo, this is Rallo’s more international expression of the Nero d’Avola grape. It is made from a selection of the best grapes which is given some aging in small barriques for 6 months. It has intense aromas of ripe red friuts, blackberries and macerated cherries complemented by vanilla and spice notes. Round and full-bodied with a long toasty finish. Delicious!
Original price was: $28.95.$27.50Current price is: $27.50. -
Cantine Rallo Nero d’Avola Il Manto 6pk 2022
Grown organically from the family vineyards in Alcamo, this is Rallo’s more international expression of the Nero d’Avola grape. It is made from a selection of the best grapes which is given some aging in small barriques for 6 months. It has intense aromas of ripe red friuts, blackberries and macerated cherries complemented by vanilla and spice notes. Round and full-bodied with a long toasty finish.
$29.95 -
Casale Marchese Frascati Superiore 2023
The Casale Marchese estate makes Frascati as it should be made. They use the best clones of Malvasia and only the best 15 – 20% of their grapes are sold under their label. The remainder is sold to the local co-operative. The estate practices sustainable farming, coupled with high density, short-pruned planting, yielding limited grapes per vine. The result is optimal fruit concentration.
$25.95 -
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2023
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino might be considered Brunello’s younger sibling. Made from 100% select Sangiovese clones, Rosso di Montalcino offers rich, forward fruit flavors in a well-structured wine with supple tannins and good acidity for dining. The soil is calcareous and well-structured. On the nose it is intense, fresh, and fruity with typical varietal characteristics of violet, cherry, and plum. In the mouth it is elegant, balanced, with a velvety tannic texture; closes with a savoury and licorice trail.
$29.95 -
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico 2022
The 2022 from Castello di Verrazzano is a lustrous mid ruby colour, with intense aromas and flavours representing mature red fruits such as cherry and blackberry, complemented by floral notes.The wine exhibits great balance and structure, exhibiting nuanced oak enrichment and a fine, sweet tannin.
$34.95 -
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2021
Produced only in the best vintages, the “Riserva” is one of the most representative wines of the winery, and it is the top expression of Sangiovese own characteristics. Red garnet colour, scent with red fruit aromas, followed by notes of tobacco, black pepper and sweet wood, which become more complex and delicate with the ageing.
$63.95 -
Colognole Chianti Rufina 2022
Colognole is based in the small Chianti Rufina region, which accounts for just 3% of total Chianti production (and 40% of this is produced by the Frescobaldi family). Rufina is known for possessing the highest elevation vineyards in Chianti which explains why it is slightly cooler than Classico. The wines are also known to be very age-worthy.
$25.95 -
Colognole Chianti Rufina Terraelectae 2021
From the exceptional single vineyard “Le Rogaie”.
$89.95 -
Colognole Laudemio Olive Oil 500 mL 2024
Long considered to be the pride of the Colognole estate farm’s production, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced from approximately 36 hectares of specialized olive-groves. Alternating with vineyards and fields of wheat and sunflowers, the trees grow on the gentle slopes towards the Sieve River valley.
$36.00 -
Colognole Riserva Del Don Chianti Rufina 2018
Why ‘Riserva del Don’? In Southern Italy, from whence the family originated, tradition held that the “Don” (property owner) was to be gifted a small, but premium part of each vintage.
$45.50 -
Colognole Riserva Del Don Chianti Rufina 6 pk 2017
Why ‘Riserva del Don’? In Southern Italy, from whence the family originated, tradition held that the “Don” (property owner) was to be gifted a small, but premium part of each vintage.
$41.95 -
Fattoria Conca d’Oro Prosecco Millesimato Conegliano Extra Dry 2023
This is a superb example of Prosecco Superiore. The grapes grow on the beautiful hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a unique and incomparable place. The particular composition of the soil, the lay of the land and the rolling hills and valleys which are blessed with a favourable climate influenced by the mountains and the sea, all contribute to making an intensely aromatic Prosecco with a distinctive and elegant flavour. Fresh and fruity with green apples, grapefruit, banana and floral notes of acacia. Follows through with good acidity, making it fresh, harmonious and velvety.
$26.95 -
Fenocchio Barolo 2021
Light garnet colour with a very perfumed nose of black cherry, stewed strawberries, roses, black licorice and a hint of cedar. The palate is dry, medium bodied with firm tannins and well-balanced acidity. The finish is quite long with lingering notes of black licorice.
$90.95 -
Kupelwieser Alto Adige Chardonnay 2024
Grafted to slow-growing rootstock and trained on traditional wire trellises (Guyot), this Chardonnay grows in the best vineyard zones in the valley. The particular loam clay and chalk soils found in the lowlands of the Alto Adige coupled with the cool mountain breezes make for an ideal environment for cultivation of Chardonnay grapes.
$23.95 -
Kupelwieser Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2024
From Italy’s northernmost, but highly acclaimed region of Alto Adige, one gets to experience the best of two worlds, with Mediterranean and Alpine climatic conditions coming into play. This wine shows crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio handcrafted by award-winning winemaker Peter Zemmer. The grapes are sourced from vineyards on the valley floor of the ‘Lowlands’ of Alto Adige. Zemmer’s low-yield approach in the vineyards results in a complex, dry white wine which reveals flavors of citrus and pear with nuances of mineral, all showcased by a lengthy finish.
$23.95 -
La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2021
La Quercia (The Oak). This Montepulciano is a great example of what happens when you match low-yield winemaking expertise with a prolific growing zone, and constantly cut, cut, cut back the vines. Made by winemaker Antonio Lamona, the result is one of the best quality, most expressive and balanced Montepulcianos around. Full-bodied, smooth, and packed with notes of blackberry, wild cherry, chocolate and spice. This is a flavourful versatile wine that will pair with anything you put on the table .
$24.95 -
La Quercia Pecorino Colli Aprutini IGT Santa Pupa 2023
This is an energetic wine with excellent structure and a pleasant softness. Aged in bottle a typical almond note evolves to support the fruit on the palate.
$24.95 -
Luigi Righetti Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2021
Righetti’s Amarone is produced from selected Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%) and other indigenous varietals (10%) grown in the hills of the Valpolicella Classico DOC. The finest bunches of ripe grapes are placed in shallow, wood crates and left to dry over a period of 3-5 months. Thereafter, the grapes are pressed, the juice is fermented to dryness, and the wine is aged in large casks of Slavonian oak.
$38.95 -
Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella 2022
Medium ruby; intensely aromatic nose with strawberry, dried cherry, currants and hints of leather, autumn leaves and asian spice; dry, medium-bodied with classic ripasso flavours, a ripe, round palate and some wood tannins bringing complexity to the long and satisfying finish. 13.9% alc
$25.50 -
Luigi Righetti Capitel de Roari Amarone 2021
All Amarone is the result of drying the grapes for 3 to 5 months prior to pressing. Capitel de Roari is Righetti’s premium amarone, coming from the best grape selection, and receiving delicate oak treatment.
$49.50 -
Luigi Righetti Capitel de Roari Amarone 375 mL 2021
All Amarone is the result of drying the grapes for 3 to 5 months prior to pressing. Capitel de Roari is Righetti’s premium amarone, coming from the best grape selection, and receiving delicate oak treatment.
$25.95 -
Luigi Righetti Custoza DOC 2024
The Luigi Righetti Custoza is a delightfully vibrant wine. A clear, pale lemon colour in the glass, the bouquet is intense and complex with aromas of citrus fruits such as tangerine and lime as well floral orange blossom and tropical notes of banana and pineapple. The wine is light and juicy on the palate with citrus and white peach flavours and a distinct roundness that finishes with mouthwatering acidity.
$19.95 -
Luigi Righetti Pinot Grigio 2024
Righetti’s Pinot Grigio shows good mid-palate weight and fruit concentration. The nose has floral aromas with overtones of pistachios and just a hint of honey. The palate is soft and round with a long, clean citrus finish. The production of Pinot Grigio was elevated to DOC status in 2017 with the adoption of the “delle Venezie” production area which includes the entire regions of Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino.
$19.95 -
Luigi Righetti Ripasso Selezione 2022
This is Luigi Righetti’s premium Ripasso, a selection of the best Valpolicella grapes macerated for 14 days on the pressings from the Amarone. The sugars in the Amarone skins trigger a second fermentation, boosting the alcohol a bit and contributing rich, dried fruit flavours to the finished wine. It is then aged in small oak barrels for smoothness and added notes of vanilla and spice
$26.95 -
Luigi Righetti Rose 2024
This is really a Valpolicella blend in the form of a Rosé wine. Modern and refreshing given the ferment and maturation in stainless steel. Pale salmon in colour, aromas of raspberry, rose petal, white peach and a hint of thyme. Palate is layered with cherry, and red berries (cranberry), subtle white pepper and a clean finish. Very food friendly.
$19.95 -
Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico 2023
Valpolicella is the quintessential pizza and pasta wine, grown in the Veneto region of Italy, just north of Verona. Aromatic wine with cherries and a hint of almond. Lighter-bodied and predominantly fruity, it shows unusually good fruit concentration for Valpolicella, with lovely cherry fruit flavours, violets and a hint of white pepper. Can be served lightly chilled.
$20.95 -
Majolini Franciacorta Brut
Franciacorta is one of the best-kept secrets among lovers of traditionally made sparkling wine. Champagne and Cava are fairly well understood in our market: Franciacorta less so. Not to be outdone, the region stipulates the wine must receive longer lees contact than the minimum required for Cava and Champagne. A case in point is this Brut, which receives 36 months of aging on lees before disgorgement.
$56.95 -
Massimo Lentsch Etna Rosso DOC 2021
There is so much to like about this wine and the elements behind its construction. The vines are grown in volcanic sand, deep, fertile and rich in micro-elements. They are trained using the alberello technique (free standing “little trees”),and some are centennial and un-grafted!
$43.50 -
Montepeloso Lupo 2024
Lupo is an interesting throwback to the way Sangiovese was revealed a few decades ago. Fabio used older clones which yield much larger bunches of grapes than more modern clones. The result is a lighter expression of Sangiovese than we are accustomed. This is a really pretty and exciting wine.
$34.95 -
Nua Brut – vino Spumante
Nua Brut is from one of Italy’s top Prosecco producers. Located in Milan, they have produced for us a special spumante to fit the price and style required. Although it is not 100% Glera (the Prosecco grape), we actually think it is a lot better, as they have added Pinot Noir to our blend to give it more seriousness and some suggestive red fruit notes. This wine shows vibrant red apples, ripe citrus, honey and hazelnuts with a hint of toasty brioche. The bubbles are persistent and mouth filling and the wine finishes clean. A great bubbly at a fantastic price.
$17.95 -
Schola Sarmenti Nerio – Nardo DOC Riserva 2021
A statement of tradition and terroir, this wine is derived from old vines planted in the region’s traditional Alberello style (free standing bush vines).
$35.95 -
Schola Sarmenti Primitivo Critera 2023
Despite its youth, this wine really delivers on the palate, bursting with sumptuous dark cherry and blackberry fruit. Rich, round, juicy, and expressive with a silky edged finish. Drink now, but be sure to save a few bottles to see how it develops.
$25.95 -
Sinopie Chianti Superiore DOCG 2023
Sinopie refers to the guide lines that artists drew on the walls in preparation to paint large fresco’s. Our own guide lines for making Sinopie Chianti are the crispness of its fruit, the vibrancy of acidity and its genius for pairing with foods. Such is the Sangiovese in the style of Classic Chianti.
$21.50 -
Terre Gaie Pinot Grigio 2024
This is a light, dry and bright wine, refreshing, with fine delicate acacia flower, citrus and nutty aromas. The palate follows through with light citrus and hazelnut overtones. A perfect patio wine!
$17.95 -
Terre Gaie Prosecco DOC
A product of the delicate, fruity, indigenous varietal Glera (formerly called Prosecco). Prosecco sparkling wine is produced using the Charmat Method, whereby the bubbles formed through a secondary fermentation are captured in special tanks, prior to bottling.
$22.50 -
Villa di Corlo Corleto Lambrusco Grasp. di Cast. 2024
The Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro variety is considered by many to be the fullest bodied and finest Lambrusco. Grown on hillside vineyards near Castelvetro, south of Modena. A very deeply coloured frothy purple in the glass, the bouquet is intense and with aromas of ripe strawberries, luscious blueberries, black cherry and distinct floral notes of violets and iris. The wine shows great concentration on the palate with an explosion of dark fruit and structured tannins leading to a lively and lingering dry finish. This is a tremendous “food wine” and few pair better with traditional Italian fare. Typically served chilled, it makes a delightful summer beverage for dinners “al fresco”!
$26.95 -
Villa di Corlo Corleto Lambrusco Grasp. di Cast. 6 pk 2024
The Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro variety is considered by many to be the fullest bodied and finest Lambrusco. Grown on hillside vineyards near Castelvetro, south of Modena. A very deeply coloured frothy purple in the glass, the bouquet is intense and with aromas of ripe strawberries, luscious blueberries, black cherry and distinct floral notes of violets and iris. The wine shows great concentration on the palate with an explosion of dark fruit and structured tannins leading to a lively and lingering dry finish. This is a tremendous “food wine” and few pair better with traditional Italian fare. Typically served chilled, it makes a delightful summer beverage for dinners “al fresco”!
$26.95 -
Zanatta Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Renadoro 2024
Vines are grown all over the island of Sardinia, but it is from Gallura (“stony area” located in northeastern corner) where many of the better wines originate. The whole island benefits from the briny nature of the strong, sea air, yet Gallura is particularly unique as the soil is build upon a foundation of Granite and the sandy soil which is derived from weathering of the granite hillsides.
$26.50