Italian Wine

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

Winemaker Description

Fruity and fragrant bouquet with hints of strawberry and cherry. Fresh balanced and persistent. Sligthly fruity notes, fine and thin perlage. Excellent as aperitif and with light dishes.

Cielo Rose Prosecco being small, fresh bubbles to your palate with fruit and fragrant aromas. Across the palate, flavors of cherry, strawberry, peaches, and apricot are ever present and delightful. A fresh, balanced, and persistent mouthfeel with every sip.

Expert Review

Tamlyn Currin of Jancis Robinson writes 18/20 Points | There is something rather special about Barolo Chinato vermouth. Rather like an intense raspberry and cherry liqueur with a salt-and-lemon-pith tang and bite. The bitterness is built into the sweetness like bones into flesh, citrus shaping the flesh into lines and parabolas of Seville marmalade, candied clementine peel, dried mandarin, salt-pickled lemon, fragrant-fresh yuzu. Iron and cherry blossom, sandalwood and violets, matcha and lavender syrup. Long, and more vinous than most vermouths.  

Winemaker Description 

Renowned in Piemonte since its introduction in 1891, Cocchi Barolo Chinato is a wine of DOCG Barolo infused with quinine bark, rhubarb, ginger, cardamom, cocoa, and a variety of other aromatic spices. Round and rich, yet with the deep back palate one expects of Barolo, this wine possesses the definition necessary to be an ideal digestif or pairing with dark chocolate. Serve as you would a high-quality port or Madeira, or use in lieu of sweet red vermouth in a luxurious Manhattan. You would not be alone in finding this to be the Rolls Royce (or Maserati) of Italian dessert wines.

Winemaker Description 

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry, released on the year of Cocchi’s 130th anniversary, is a classic-style dry vermouth from the birthplace of vermouth, Piemonte. Though the old classic dry vermouths that became so popular for their use in the Dry Martini were traditionally produced in the Southeast of France, in recent years the major players of the Torino vermouth category have produced a spin on the category all their own. Cocchi was long a hold out, but no longer. 

“Ricetta Piemontese”(Piedmontese recipe), stated on the label, is a very precise indication of the content: all the relevant ingredients for this vermouth come from Piemonte and have a strong bond with the region.

The wine used for this vermouth is Cortese, the same grape used for Gavi DOCG. The Artemisia Absinthium (wormwood), is 100% from Piemonte mountains. The aromatic profile is also characterized by Menta di Pancalieri, a local variety of peppermint, and lemon, traditionally used to garnish vermouths of all styles in Piedmont. 

Winemaker Description 

Vermouth di Torino is a collective heritage of Piedmont, which sees in the royal Savoy court as first big promoter of a product which, mainly starting from the late XVIII century, generated a flourishing industry which led Piedmont to become the Kingdom of Vermouth. 

Notes of cocoa, rhubarb, dandelion, caramel, and orange peel deliver a rich and refined character.

Producer Description 

The last remaining example of appellation Vermouth di Torino to comply with all of the classical requirements, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino has been produced since 1891. Cocchi uses estate Moscato as the wine base, and vibrant, spicy botanicals such as cocoa, citrus, ginger, and rhubarb.

In contrast with other popular Italian vermouths, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino retains wines of Piedmont as the base and avoids a heavy sheen of vanilla or caramel that clashes with other cocktail ingredients. Delicious when poured on ice and a small lemon zest, but also an essential base for the creation of the most classic cocktails from Negroni to Manhattan. Cocchi has produced wine-based aperitifs and traditional Piemontese sparkling wines since 1891.

Giulio Cocchi was a young and creative pastry chef from Florence, where he worked in a popular bar located in Piazza del Duomo. In the late nineteenth century he moved to Asti, a small but lively town in northwest Italy, not far from Torino, and established himself as a distiller and winemaker.

Critic Notes

James Suckling writes:  A juicy red showing red plums, tobacco, oranges and some tar on the nose. Touch of sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied, soft and ripe, with lively acidity to balance. Nerello cappucio and nerello mascalese. Drink now.  - James Suckling 90

Our Notes

"One of my favorite great value reds! Velvety textured with delicious flavors of blackberry, plum and strawberry with savory spice and aromatic herbs. Medium to full bodied with supple tannins that provide lift and structure.  Great for pizza, pasta and any midweek excursion."
Bart Hopkins

Winery Notes

Intense, dark ruby red. On the nose, notes of black fruit, strawberries, flowers and herbs. Dry and full-bodied on the palate.

Winemaker Description

Cora is an exciting proprietary label made for David Bowler Wine with fruit sourced from vineyards in the Abruzzo region of Italy. These are great value wines that are fresh, fun, and uncomplicated, yet satisfy our exacting standards.

Expert Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A lighter, brighter snappier rendition of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo that offers easy, uncomplicated sipping and food friendliness. Brambly aromas of cranberry, strawberry blossoms, red apple skin and rose petals are accented with spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon stick. Crisp and juicy in the mouth with good acidity keeping it lively and agile and moderate tannins that drive it energetically into the finish. A great wine for pizza and pasta, and just about anything else.

Winemaker Description 

Cora is an exciting proprietary label made for David Bowler Wine with fruit sourced from vineyards in the Abruzzo region of Italy. These are great value wines that are fresh, fun, and uncomplicated, yet satisfy our exacting standards

Producer Description 

Made In Italy. The boot lever locks up straight during insertion. With the spiral fully inserted into the cork, the first step extracts about 7/8” of the cork. Press the boot lever in and the second lever pulls the rest of the cork straight out. The secret is the “crescent” in the handle that keeps the spring loaded floating axis in a vertical position.

Producer Description

This beautiful Rosé from Coste di Brenta is made from 100% Montepulciano grape in the Abruzzo region.

Winemaker Description

Cusumano Nero d'Avola is a deep ruby red, with violet reflections. Fresh aromas of red and black berries. Fruit-forward with firm tannins and plummy spice flavors on the palate. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | A delicious, round and silky white with aromas of fresh lemons, white peaches and warm spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Supple, with a mineral undertone at the center and a succulent finish.

Winemaker Description 

Insolia grapes are manually selected in the Nordic microclimate of Ficuzza, Cusumano's largest vineyard, located in Northern Sicily. Light straw color with soft aromas of freshly-picked flowers and herbs. This Insolia opens the palate with refreshing flavors of apples and pears. Hints of citrus zest lingers throughout for a harmonious balance.

Pairs with lighter dishes such as salads or seafood.

Winemaker Description 

Mevushal. Dacci Chianti DOCG is a classic expression of Sangiovese, the primary grape of the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. This dry, red wine boasts a smooth texture and balanced acidity, showcasing the unique terroir of the region. 

With its subtle tannins and bright acidity, Dacci Chianti DOCG is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with traditional Italian cuisine, hearty stews, and grilled meats, making it a must-try for fans of classic Italian wines.

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby color, tending to mauvish, full bodied flavors, slightly tannic with aromas of black currant, plum and morello cherry.

Pair with red meat and fresh cheeses.

Winemaker Description

Expert Ratings 

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of black cherries, orange peel and some fresh herbs. Medium body, medium round tannins, and a soft and creamy finish. Light jammy character at the end. Drink or hold. (2020)

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | Indulgent notes of tanned leather, coffee grounds, vanilla bean and dried fig on the nose lead the way to a berry-rich palate that gains depth and structure from close-grained tannins and a prick of acidity. (2020)

89 Points Vinous | Dusty red florals, dried strawberries and worn leather aromas form an inviting bouquet as the 2020 Sangiovese opens in the glass. It is racy yet supple in feel, with ripe cherry-berry fruits cascading across a mineral-tinge acidity core. The 2020 takes on a crunchy feel through the finish, leaving subtle tannins to frame the experience quite nicely. There’s so much purity and energy here. (2020)

Bright red in color, aromas of violets and red berries complement undertones of leather and anise. On the palate, this wine is dry and mellow with smooth tannins that make for a crowd- pleasing, easy-to-drink red wine. Winemaker Description. (2020)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | The nose is rich and savory, with aromas of hot tar, damp earth and underbrush, coffee grinds, balsamic vinegar and plums. On the palate, that plum note is accentuated by warm, delicate flavors of cherry and blood orange, even as the overall feel remains invigoratingly savory.

James Suckling 92 Points | Very typical with lots of sour cherry and crisp lemon zest in both the nose and palate. Medium body with bright acidity and a tart finish. Creamy texture. Shows real nero character.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Nero d'Avola Sherazade wafts up with a wickedly fresh bouquet of crushed wild berries, violets, sage, white pepper and licorice. This is racy and cool-toned in feel, with juicy acidity and masses of ripe red and blue fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 leaves a staining of primary blackberry concentration, finishing classically with framing tannins that make for a lovely punctuation. This is a wonderfully fresh yet still potent Nero d'Avola.

Straw yellow with greenish highlights. Slightly aromatic nose with overtones of flowers and fruit. Elegant, soft and lingering taste. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Following a traditional recipe from their families' histories, Elena and Luca crafted the Elena Vermouth di Torino from Nebbiolo and a slow infusion of 30 different herbs and botanicals from the Piedmont region.  Excellent on its own as a vini da meditazione, Elena Vermouth is also a perfect ingredient for a variety of cocktails. 

Elena Spirits was born from a deep-seated desire. A drive to take the spirit of Piedmont far and wide, a passion for the Langhe, and a time-honored tradition of exceptional flavors to be savored. We poured energy, passion, and expertise into every bottle produced, striving to uphold what the history of local spirits has shaped over the years. Meticulously crafted recipes, refined through time and processes, are enriched with botanicals that we knew would impart a unique personality to the Gin and Vermouth under the Elena Spirits brand.

The challenge set by the Currado Vietti family was to use Barolo Lazzarito and one part Roero Arneis, blended with a selection of botanicals and natural herbs from Piedmont, according to an old family recipe, infused only once (“one-shot”).

Bouquet: vinous, elegant and refined with notes of bitter orange, gentian and nuances of vanilla. The very delicate spicy part presents hints of liquorice and cloves. The perception of artemisia is well defined in the finish.

Palate: vinous, tannic but decidedly harmonious. Red fruits, long, spicy persistence with a pleasantly sweet finish. Despite the use of traditional spices, the important vinous quota gathers momentum during the closing.

Winemaker Description

Elvio Cogno showcases the Nascetta grape, highlighting its revival in Piedmont. This wine presents a complex array of white flowers, citrus, and mineral notes, balancing vibrant acidity with rich texture.

It underscores Elvio Cogno’s commitment to promoting indigenous varietals, offering a structured, expressive white that reflects the unique Novello terroir and the varietal’s aging potential.

Winemaker Description

Harvest is done by hand to select the best fruit. Only the most mature berries are chosen, it is followed by a secondary selection to avoid any compromise on quality. Wild yeasts (pied de cuve) that are naturally present on the skins of the berries are used to obtain exceptional wines that really reflect the terroir with complex flavors and texture. After resting with the skins for 30 days, the juice is fermented in Troncais barrels of French oak barrels for 12-15 days with frequent pump overs. The wine then ages 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels and at least an additional 6 months in the bottle.

The end result is a wine with garnet color with red fruit and cassis aromas
with licorice, smoke and caramel notes with silky tannins.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A rich, savory Brunello di Montalcino that is already drinking perfectly. Powerful yet elegant with maraschino cherry and ripe black fruit flavors accented with roasted herbs, wild rose petals, leather sandalwood and earthy spice. The tannins are ripe and supple , with good depth of flavor and a robust finish.
Bart Hopkins.

Expert Review

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of coffee, herbs and soil, but also has the fresh gleam of wild cherries. On the palate, an emergent orange-peel element bolsters the cherry note, at least until a bitter finish of dark chocolate and espresso. Spice blazes behind dense, grippy tannins. (2018).

Winemaker Description

A brilliant ruby red, on the nose it is intense and fruity with ripe red fruits, a perfect example of classic Montepulciano-wines from this region. Rich, full-bodied, warm, fresh, with soft tannins and a long finish, it is the perfect accompaniment to grilled red meat, but also great just by the glass all at a great price.

Expert Ratings

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga is boisterous and expressive right out of the glass. Dark fruit, earthiness, leather, spice and tobacco convey tons of Castelnuovo Berardenga character. The 2021 keeps getting better in the glass. It's a super-classic example of the house style and a wine readers should consider buying by the case. The Berardenga bottling can be a bit wild, but in 2021 has an added touch of sophistication that is undeniable.  Drinking 2024 - 2038.  - Vinous 92

James Suckling writes:  A firm and silky red with cherry, dried flower and orange peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and focused finish. Needs a little time to soften but I already enjoy the energy here. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Bruce Sanderson writes:  This has a saline undercurrent to the cherry, cinnamon, rose hip, earth and Tuscan scrub flavors, all backed by a solid base of tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, energetic finish. Best from 2024 through 2030.  - Wine Spectator 91

Walter Speller writes:Lustrous ruby. Deep cherry with dark-spice notes. Concentrated, supple and with plenty of stuffing. Quite formidable structure with bags of powdery tannins that still need to settle; right now, they are a little demanding.  Drinking 2023 - 2029.  - Jancis Robinson 16.5

Michaela Morris writes:  In the southeastern confines of the denomination, the Fèlsina estate has been an unwavering proponent of 100% Sangiovese. Even the annata captures the wildness of this grape combined with the Mediterranean character of this warm and luminous corner of Chianti Classico. The 2021 starts with smoky nuances, earth and subtle oak, then progresses to fragrant mint and thyme. It is concentrated and ripe, yet balanced by freshness and agility. An underlying firmness releases gradually to reveal a savoury finish of sundried tomato.  Drinking 2023 - 2029.  - Decanter 91

Winemaker Notes