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 45 results

  • Mixed-Case-Primo-Italiano-Spumante

    Mixed Case – Primo Italiano Spumante

    Our Primo Italiano Spumante case offers the opportunity to sample two top examples of Italian sparkling wine. This case includes a first-class Prosecco DOCG along with an amazing Franciacorta DOCG, arguably Italy’s finest spumante and which will be the equal to your favorite Champagne.

    $42.50
  • Tunella-Mixed-Case-Native-Reds

    Tunella Mixed Case Native Reds

    Tunella – Three Generations, One Family History: At the far eastern edge of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia in northeastern Italy sits Tunella, one of the iconic wineries from the premium appellation Colli Orientali (Eastern Hills). Tunella is justly famous for championing the indigenous grape varieties of Friuli producing both stand alone varietal wines and cuvées which involve the blending of various native grapes.

    $36.95
  • Armilla-Brunello-di-Montalcino

    Armilla Brunello di Montalcino 2018

    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.

    $73.95
  • Cantine-Rallo-AV01-Catarratto-Orange

    Cantine Rallo AV01 Catarratto Orange 2021

    AV01 is a rich and intense Sicilian Orange wine produced using 100% Catarratto grapes. The wine shows slightly orange tints and has a strong character. The wine is produced by spontaneous fermentation in acacia barrels and steel tanks and maceration on the skins lasts 24 hours. It has aromas of tangerine, chamomile, roasted almonds and dried herbs. The taste is very fresh with bright and lively acidity, quite structured with some tannic backbone and notable minerality. Organic with no added sulfites and unfiltered.

    $58.95
  • Cantine-Rallo-Nero-dAvola-‘Principe-IGP

    Cantine Rallo Nero d’Avola ‘Principe’ IGP 2022

    Intense red with violet rim. The bouquet and flavours expressed include ripe, sweet cherries and black currants. The wine finishes with darker notes of tar and licorice

    $22.50
  • Cantine-Rallo-Syrah-la-Clarissa

    Cantine Rallo Syrah la Clarissa 2022

    The Clarissa Syrah has an intensely fruity nose with black cherry, blackberries, hints of bacon with a touch of leather. A little more than medium bodied, rich and round with plenty of fruit on the palate that contributes nicely delineated structural tannins. Compares with a Rhone-Valley Syrah.

    $25.95
  • Castello-di-Verrazzano-Chianti-Classico

    Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico 2020

    This is a traditional Chianti Classico from one of the original founders of the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico. Red ruby colour with purplish reflections in its youth. Intense scent, rich in fruity aromas as cherry and blackberry, well integrated with floral notes of red rose. Well balanced, slightly savoury, with oak hints.

    $33.95
  • Castello-di-Verrazzano-Chianti-Classico-375ml

    Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico 375 mL 2020

    Red ruby colour with purplish reflexes in its youth. Intense scent, rich in fruity aromas as cherry and blackberry, well mixed with flower notes of red rose. Well balanced, slightly savoury, with oak hints.

    $21.25
  • Castello-di-Verrazzano-Chianti-Classico-Riserva

    Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

    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.

    $61.50
  • Colognole Chianti Rufina 2020

    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.

    $25.50
  • Colognole-Riserva-Del-Don-Chianti-Rufina

    Colognole Riserva Del Don Chianti Rufina 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-dOro-Prosecco-Millesimato-Conegliano-Extra-Dry

    Fattoria Conca d’Oro Prosecco Millesimato Conegliano Extra Dry 2022

    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.

    $26.50
  • Fenocchio-Barbera-dAlba

    Fenocchio Barbera d’Alba 2022

    A deep ruby red colour with intense youthful aromas of plum, black licorice and a hint of cedar. The palate is dry with fairly high acidity that is well-balanced by intense fruity flavours. The finish is medium in length with an evident earthiness.

    $31.95
  • Fenocchio-Barolo

    Fenocchio Barolo 2019

    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.

    $79.95
  • Fenocchio-Barolo-Bussia

    Fenocchio Barolo Bussia 3 pk 2018

    A limited opportunity to order this wine in 3 btl cases.

    $94.35
  • Fenocchio-Barolo-Castellero

    Fenocchio Barolo Castellero 2018

    Fenocchio has a small parcel of 0.8 hectares in this exceptional cru located near the town of Barolo. The soils in the western exposed vineyard are marl and tuff with a high percentage of sand making for excellent drainage. The Nebbiolo Michet and Lampia vines here average 30 years of age.

    $99.95
  • Fenocchio-Barolo-Villero

    Fenocchio Barolo Villero 2018

    VERY LIMITED: From a 1-hectare plot of 65-year-old vines of the historic ‘Villero’ cru in the village of Castiglione Falletto. Soils here are clayey with calcareous sediments, rich in iron. Nebbiolo Michet, Lampia and Rosé clones are grown here. Just 5,000 bottles produced.

    $129.95
  • Kupelwieser Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2019

    Kupelwieser Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2022

    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-dAbruzzo

    La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020

    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
  • Luigi-Righetti-Amarone-della-Valpolicella-Classico

    Luigi Righetti Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019

    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.

    $38.50
  • Luigi-Righetti-Campolieti-Valpolicella

    Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella 2021

    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

    Luigi Righetti Capitel de Roari Amarone 2019

    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.

    $48.95
  • Luigi-Righetti-Capitel-de-Roari-Amarone-375ml

    Luigi Righetti Capitel de Roari Amarone 375 mL 2019

    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.

    $23.95
  • Luigi-Righetti-Pinot-Grigio

    Luigi Righetti Pinot Grigio 2022

    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 2021

    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

    Luigi Righetti Rose 2022

    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-Sognum-Cabernet-Sauvignon

    Luigi Righetti Sognum Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

    This wine is inspired by the appassimento process used to produce the famous Amarone della Valpolicella. Because of the unusual production methods (for Cabernet Sauvignon anyway) this wine is somewhat different than Cabernet from California or Chile. Appassimento (the drying of grapes for about 40 days prior to pressing) gives the wine a concentrated, uniquely Veronese signature. Following the pressing of the dried grapes, fermentation takes place in French oak barrels where the wine remains for 6 months and spends an additional 6 to 8 months in bottle before release.

    $24.95
  • Luigi-Righetti-Valpolicella-Classico

    Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico 2022

    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-nv

    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-San-Teodoro-

    Massimo Lentsch Etna Rosso DOC San Teodoro 2019

    A wine with a ruby red color tending to purplish. The nose expresses very fine and delicate notes of small red fruits, wild spices, medicinal herbs and cloves. Balanced and harmonious in the mouth with great structure, it ends with a savory and persistent finish.

    $43.50
  • montepeloso-a-quo

    Montepeloso A Quo 2022

    The wines of Proprietor Fabio Chiarelloto are some of the most highly praised coming out of Tuscany. The 2022 A Quo is an absolutely gorgeous offering from Montepeloso. This vintage is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with smaller amounts of Montepulciano, Mareselan and Alicante Bouchet.

    $41.95
  • Montepeloso Alpha 2021

    Alpha is a Rosso di Toscana produced from younger vines between 8 and 20 years of age. It is Fabio Chiarelotto’s newest creation, and once again goes in a direction unlike many other Rosso di Toscana wines from the Etruscan Coast.

    $28.50
  • Nua-Brut-vino-Spumante

    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
  • Prima Fonte Janna Pecorino Offida 2022

    100% Pecorino, originating from Offida, a commune in the province of Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche, 80 km south of Ancona and about 12 km from the coast. Offida is recognized as the finest production area and is the only DOCG for the Pecorino variety.

    $24.50
  • Schola Sarmenti Nerio 2016

    Schola Sarmenti Nerio – Nardo DOC Riserva 2019

    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).

    $34.50
  • Schola Sarmenti Primitivo Critera 2021

    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.

    $25.50
  • Sinopie-Chianti-Superiore-DOCG

    Sinopie Chianti Superiore DOCG 2022

    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.

    $20.95
  • Terre-Gaie-Pinot-Grigio

    Terre Gaie Pinot Grigio 2022

    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!

    $17.35
  • Terre-Gaie-Prosecco-DOC

    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
  • Tunella-Pinot-Grigio

    Tunella Pinot Grigio 2022

    The wine has an intense straw yellow color, evolving to a richer yellow with aging. It has a fruity and fragrant nose evoking aromas of warm bread crust and intense perfume of acacia blossom and ripe tropical fruit. The palate echoes the nose and is elegant, medium-bodied with moderate acidity and delicate hints of yeast. A wine with a decisive character.

    $30.50
  • Tunella RjGialla 2019

    Tunella RjGialla 2022

    Ribolla Gialla is a great vine native to Friuli, one of the jewels of this beautiful region, renowned for the production of premium wines, especially great whites. La Tunella is a winery based in Colli Orientali del Friuli and has always been very focused on indigenous grapes. This Ribolla Gialla “Rjgialla” is a good example of the quality of wine produced by La Tunella. It is a wine that proudly retains its roots in Friuli.

    $30.50
  • Tunella Sauvignon 2019

    Tunella Sauvignon 2022

    Sauvignon Blanc from the Colli Orientali in North East Italy, this has an intense bouquet with scents of sage and tomato leaf blend with delicate notes of melon and yellow pepper. Perfectly balanced, fresh, dry with long aromatic persistence.

    $30.50
  • Venica-e-Venica-Merlot

    Venica e Venica Merlot 2021

    The colour is intense ruby red. Aromatically, the wine shows berries (especially blueberries and black currant), violets, plums, cherries, tomato leaf, fennel and rhubarb. Some medicinal herbs such as mint and thyme can be perceived as well as a balsamic note that fades into pine. On the palate it is wide and deep, medium-bodied, juicy and dripping of blackberries and cherries. The tannins are light and velvety and the herbaceous and earthy flavors balance the fruit aromas for a soft and enveloping sip. The acidity is generally low.

    $42.95
  • Venica-e-Venica-Pinot-Grigio

    Venica e Venica Pinot Grigio 2022

    The bouquet of the 2021 Pinot Grigio ‘Jesera’ (‘Jesera’ is a term for a small glacial lake) is intriguing with aromas of jasmine, ginger, pear and apple with hints of citrus and incense. The palate is lively and savoury with a creamy and vibrant finish. There is a slight tannic note to the wine which comes from the skin contact.

    $51.95
  • zanatta-vermentino-di-gallura.

    Zanatta Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Renadoro 2022

    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

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