Italian Wine

Nino Negri Alpi Retiche Nebbiolo Bianco 2024 750ml

Nino Negri is the benchmark producer of the Valtellina, Lombardy's dramatic Alpine wine zone where Nebbiolo — known locally as Chiavennasca — clings to steep granite terraces above the Adda River. But this wine is something else entirely: a white wine made from Nebbiolo. The Alpi Retiche Bianco has been produced since 1978, making Nino Negri one of the earliest pioneers of blanc de noirs-style winemaking in Italy. The red grapes are harvested and immediately soft-pressed with the skins removed at once, preserving the freshness and aromatics of the fruit without a trace of color.

Grown at 350–600 meters altitude on shallow sandy loam soils in the Rhaetian Alps, the 2024 is a wine of delicate precision and mountain freshness — light, bright, and harmonious, with a mineral backbone that speaks clearly of its Alpine origins. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperature and aged on its lees before bottling.

"Straw yellow color with light golden hues; delicate, distinct aromas of green apple and white pulp fruit; dry and fresh on the palate, with a pleasant mineral finish." — Nino Negri Winemaker, Danilo Drocco

• Producer: Nino Negri, Chiuro, Valtellina, Lombardy, Italy
• Appellation: Alpi Retiche IGT
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo (white vinified — blanc de noirs style)
• Vintage: 2024
• Altitude: 350–600 meters — shallow sandy loam soils
• Vinification: Soft press, immediate skin separation, stainless steel fermentation at 18°C, lees aging
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, white pulp fruit, floral nuances, minerality, fresh acidity, light herbaceous finish
• Best Paired With: Freshwater fish, fried fish and vegetables, light appetizers, fresh salads, delicate cheeses, or as an aperitif

A genuinely rare Italian white — Nebbiolo vinified blanc de noirs since 1978, from the Alpine terraces of Valtellina. There is nothing else quite like it.

Valtellina Superiore — Italy's Hidden Gem for Nebbiolo Lovers

Nino Negri is the benchmark producer of Valtellina, the dramatic Alpine appellation in Lombardy where Nebbiolo — known locally as Chiavennasca — grows on steep, terraced granite slopes above the Adda River. Quadrio is the estate's entry-level Valtellina Superiore DOCG: a wine that captures the elegance, freshness, and aromatic complexity of mountain Nebbiolo at an exceptional price point, offering a compelling alternative to Barolo and Barbaresco for a fraction of the cost.

Winemaker Notes

Dark garnet-red in color with distinctive, fine aromas of small fruits, raspberry preserves, roses, and violets, with a delicate herbal note. Full and lively on the palate with tart fruit flavors, elegant tannins, and a lingering aftertaste with traces of prunes and toasty oak.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)
• Appellation: Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Lombardy, Italy
• Producer: Nino Negri
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Alpine and Northern Italian cuisine — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, risotto ai funghi, aged Bitto cheese, and charcuterie boards.

Expert Rating

Vinous Stephen Tanzer writes 93 Points | (from 63-year-old vines in the center of the vineyard; aged in a combination of old barriques and new larger casks) Sweet aromas of redcurrant, cherry, smoke and mint, all lifted by high notes of orange peel, rose petal and minerals. Concentrated, vibrant and gripping, with a silky quality and noteworthy precision to the flavors of red fruits, spices and minerals. Harmonious acidity gives a juicy, sappy quality and real elegance to this densely packed Barbaresco. Here the tannins are considerably finer than those of the normale, and the long, juicy, gripping finish leaves behind a captivating floral perfume. A beauty. 

This is from a massale selection, including a bit of the lighter, floral rose clone of nebbiolo while the rest of the vineyard features five different clones. 

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby red colour with violet hints, very clear. Very intense, with vegetable and spicy hints, light liquorice nuance. Dry and smooth to the palate, enjoyably fresh, well balanced and harmonious, good nose-palate persistence.

Matching and service – Lean starters, dry and liquid soups even with savoury sauces, grilled and pan cooked meat, goat and sheep medium seasoned cheeses.
There are no studies on the Monica vine capable of identifying its exact origin. What is certain is that it was brought to Sardinia and planted in 1400 by the Camaldolese monks around their monasteries. 

From here, grapes of the monks, grapes of monks and then Monica … many theories, many memories of other vines that the character of Sardinia has transformed and adapted. Today Monica is a perfectly integrated son of Sardinia, the south-eastern part is his land of choice… and therefore at home in the Pala family.

Oltreluna has the spirit and character of Sardinia where the vine lives and breathes, but retains a small and intriguing memory of its mysterious origin. Kind like its name, but extraordinarily complex like the land that hosts it. It is the moon that is reflected on a silver sea in the blue of the night, it is a journey that has begun and is always evolving… it is thinking about the character of wild Sardinia with an extraordinary and elegant versatility.

Grapes – Monica 100%. 

Paltrinieri | Solco | Lambrusco dell'Emilia | Emilia-Romagna, Italy | 2024 | 750ml

Paltrinieri is one of the benchmark producers of serious Lambrusco — the kind that has nothing to do with the sweet, mass-market versions that defined the grape's reputation for decades. Based in Sorbara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the estate farms its vines with care and bottles wines that are dry, vivid, and deeply tied to the region's food culture.

The Solco is their entry point and one of the most satisfying bottles at its price. Deep purple-ruby in the glass, it opens with sweet cream, raspberry, and spice before revealing tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit. The finish is long and intense, closing with violet and lavender florals. This is Lambrusco as it should be: wickedly fresh, perfumed, and built for the table.

Serve it chilled (10–12°C) — it works as an aperitif, alongside a charcuterie spread, or as the ideal foil to the rich, fatty classics of Emilian cuisine: tortellini in brodo, mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tigelle.

91 Points — Vinous (Eric Guido): "Wickedly fresh and perfumed with tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit notes. Long and intense, closes with violet and lavender inner florals."

• Appellation: Lambrusco dell'Emilia IGT, Emilia-Romagna
• Grape: Lambrusco
• Style: Dry, sparkling red
• Serve: Chilled, 10–12°C
• Pairs with: Mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini, charcuterie, pizza, tomato-based pasta

Barolo's Most Elegant Single Cru — Monvigliero by Paolo Scavino

Paolo Scavino is one of Barolo's most revered producers, and the Monvigliero is the crown jewel of their single-vineyard lineup. Sourced from the stately Monvigliero vineyard in Verduno — widely regarded as the grand cru of the village — this cru was first bottled as a single vineyard wine in 2007 after the Scavino family purchased the site. Monvigliero is celebrated for its distinctly feminine character: floral, spicy, balsamic, and precise, with a finesse and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from the more powerful expressions of Barolo.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts: "Moving north to Verduno, the 2022 Barolo Monvigliero pours a bright ruby hue and remains slightly reserved at this stage, revealing aromas of preserved cranberries, white peach, candied orange, baking spice, ripe apricot, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, it has a more linear feel, with focused acidity and well-defined tannins. Citrus notes lift the palate and carry through a refined finish."  Rating: 95+                                                                                                     
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "This wine shines with freshness and transparency, full of red currants, red cherries and intense violets against a meaty background. Lightly extracted and medium-bodied, showing crisp, brilliant acidity and velvety tannins. A touch of sternness in the tense, fragrant finish. Drinkable now but best from 2027."

Winemaker Notes

Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2022 750ml

Great finesse and aromatic complexity, distinctly floral spicy, savory, balsamic in its expression. The nose is vivid and compound. The texture is focused. An extremely elegant cru, feminine and full of character. 

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
• Vineyard: Monvigliero, Verduno
• Producer: Paolo Scavino
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Piedmontese pairing — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, white truffle dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, and roasted lamb.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Vinous 90 Points | The 2024 Dolcetto d'Alba is impeccable. Bright and floral, with a lovely core of purplish fruit, Scavino's Dolcetto is a delight. Drink it over the next few years while the flavors remain vibrant.

Importer Notes

    •    100% Dolcetto from 70-year-old vines in Marne di Sant’Agata soils (a type of calcareous clay) within the Bricco Ambrogio vineyard of Roddi d’Alba
    •    The grapes are hand-harvested during the second week of September
    •    Maceration and fermentation in stainless steel with temperature control and indigenous yeasts.
    •    Maturation takes place in stainless steel for six months
    •    950 cases produced annually

Memo Summary Notes

The Paolo Scavino Dolcetto d'Alba 2024 is a quintessential Piedmontese "everyday" red. While the Scavino family is world-renowned for their complex, long-aging Barolos, their Dolcetto is designed to be consumed young, vibrant, and fresh.
Pair with this is the ultimate pizza and pasta wine. It also pairs perfectly with charcuterie, roasted pork, or mushroom risotto

Paradosso Pinot Noir Trevenezie 2023

From the sweeping plains and foothills of Trevenezie in northeastern Italy, Paradosso delivers a Pinot Noir that punches well above its price point. The 2023 is light, bright, and effortlessly elegant — think fresh red cherries, wild strawberry, and a whisper of earth, with lifted acidity and silky tannins that make it as easy to drink as it is to love. Serve lightly chilled for maximum pleasure.

• Producer: Paradosso
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Region: Trevenezie IGT, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com | Looking for something elegant and well balanced? Here’s a light, bright northern Italian Pinot Noir with refreshing red berry fruit, earthy complexity, and lifted acidity. Served lightly chilled, everything comes together nicely to provide perfect accompaniment to light meals and casual sipping.

Pairs beautifully with charcuterie, roasted salmon, mushroom risotto, or light pasta dishes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Here’s Dolcetto flexing all tis muscles. Dark purple fruits hit first, then a crack of black pepper wakes up your senses. Violets drift above it all, adding complexity without getting precious. The structure means business but doesn’t forget Dolcetto’s friendly side.  This is the wine showing you why it deserves more attention, serious enough for wine geeks but fun enough for everyone else. (Best Buy)

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Ripe and bursting with boysenberry, raspberry, violet and sweet spice flavors, this is dense and backed by gripping tannins on the finish. Balanced with succulent acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The Pecchenino "San Luigi" Dogliani Superiore is a distinguished example of Dolcetto, known for its depth and rich flavor profile. It features a well-structured profile with vibrant acidity and a smooth, elegant finish. Produced by Pecchenino, a notable estate in the Dogliani region, the winery is celebrated for its dedication to quality and traditional winemaking techniques.

This Superiore, crafted from carefully selected Dolcetto grapes, offers a complex array of flavors including ripe dark fruit, subtle spice, and a hint of earthiness. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes such as pasta, grilled meats, and savory cheeses, making it a versatile choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

Pellegrino Dry Old Marsala Superiore Secco is a benchmark expression of Sicily's most storied fortified wine, crafted by Cantine Pellegrino — one of Marsala's oldest and most respected houses, founded in 1880 in the sun-drenched western tip of the island. Aged to Superiore classification, this is a Marsala of genuine depth and complexity, made in the traditional dry (secco) style that showcases the wine's savory, nutty character without the sweetness of commercial versions.

Amber in the glass with warm golden highlights. The nose is immediately compelling: iodine, dried fig, roasted almond, and singed orange peel, with a whisper of ground clove and toffee that speaks to careful oxidative aging. On the palate, the wine is rich, smooth, and finely balanced — creamy in texture, with intense dried fruit flavors, a nutty core, and a long, lingering finish of clove and orange peel. Dry, complex, and deeply Sicilian.

Awarded 90 Points by Wine Spectator, this Marsala Superiore Secco is a rare find at this price — a serious fortified wine that rewards both the curious and the connoisseur. Superiore designation requires a minimum of two years of aging, and Pellegrino's meticulous cellaring shows in every sip.

Serve at room temperature as an aperitif, or well chilled alongside Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, pizza, or roasted nuts. An essential ingredient in classic Sicilian cooking — Chicken Marsala, Veal Marsala, and zabaglione.

Pellegrino Dry Old Marsala Superiore Secco — Sicily NV

Cantine Pellegrino is one of Marsala’s oldest and most respected houses, founded in 1880 at the sun-drenched western tip of Sicily. For nearly 150 years, they have been the benchmark for what serious Marsala can be — and this Superiore Secco is the proof. Aged a minimum of two years in oxidative cellaring, crafted from a blend of Catarratto, Grillo, Damaschino, and Inzolia, it is dry, complex, and deeply Sicilian. Wine Spectator awarded it 90 points. The half-bottle format is ideal for cooking, aperitivo, or an intimate pour.

Amber in the glass with warm golden highlights. The nose is immediately compelling: iodine, dried fig, roasted almond, and singed orange peel, with a whisper of ground clove and toffee that speaks to careful oxidative aging. On the palate, it is rich, smooth, and finely balanced — creamy in texture, with intense dried fruit, a nutty core, and a long, lingering finish of clove and orange peel.

🇮🇹 Wine Spectator 90 — Dry, complex, and deeply Sicilian. A serious fortified wine that rewards both the curious and the connoisseur.

• Producer: Cantine Pellegrino, Marsala, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: NV
• Appellation: Marsala Superiore DOC
• Style: Secco (Dry)
• Blend: Catarratto, Grillo, Damaschino, Inzolia
• Aging: Minimum 2 years oxidative
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Iodine, dried fig, roasted almond, singed orange peel, clove, toffee, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, pizza, Chicken Marsala, Veal Marsala, zabaglione

Sicily’s benchmark dry Marsala — Pellegrino’s Superiore Secco is the half-bottle that earns its place at the table and in the kitchen.

Pellegrino Marsala Superiore Garibaldi Dolce — Sicily NV

Cantine Pellegrino is one of Marsala’s oldest and most respected houses, founded in 1880 at the sun-drenched western tip of Sicily. The Garibaldi Dolce — named in honor of the legendary Italian general who landed in Marsala in 1860 to begin his unification of Italy — is their benchmark sweet Marsala Superiore. Aged a minimum of two years under the Superiore designation, it is crafted from indigenous Sicilian varieties and fortified to deliver the rich, complex sweetness that has made Marsala one of the world’s great fortified wines.

Bright amber in the glass with warm golden highlights. The nose offers intense, persistent oak with dried fruit, toffee, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is rich and sweet — fine and delicate, with layers of dried fig, caramel, and toasted almond leading to a long, warm finish. Classic Marsala Dolce at its most authentic.

• Producer: Cantine Pellegrino, Marsala, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: NV
• Appellation: Marsala Superiore DOC
• Style: Dolce (Sweet)
• Aging: Minimum 2 years
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Amber, oak, dried fig, toffee, caramel, toasted almond, long warm finish
• Best Paired With: Zabaglione, tiramisu, cannoli, almond pastries, blue cheese, foie gras

Sicily’s most storied sweet fortified wine — Pellegrino’s Garibaldi Dolce is Marsala history in every glass.

Petra Hebo — Toscana IGT, Maremma 2023

Near the ancient village of Suvereto, on the ferrous hills of the Val di Cornia looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, the estate of Petra has carved out one of Tuscany’s most compelling terroirs. Nestled in the spectacular nature of the Maremma — home to the majestic cork oaks that have defined this landscape for centuries — Petra produces wines of genuine coastal character: fresh, mineral, and alive with the energy of the sea. The Hebo is their benchmark Toscana rosso: a Merlot-led blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc, it is soft, round, and beautifully expressive. Vinous awarded the 2023 vintage 90 points, praising its “pretty inner freshness that lingers.” 

The color is a bright, luminous ruby red. The nose opens with an herbal-laced bouquet of rose petals, black cherries, violets, blueberries, peonies, and wet stones — with mineral hints and nuances of earthy shrub. On the palate, it is fresh and pleasantly fruity, with gentle, well-tailored tannins, a cascade of citrus-infused red berry fruit, and blue and purple inner florals that linger on a long, spry finish.

Vinous 90 — "Soft and round, with fresh acidity and a cascade of citrus-infused red berry fruit. Long yet gentle and spry — a pretty inner freshness that lingers."

• Producer: Petra, Suvereto, Val di Cornia, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Rose petal, black cherry, violet, blueberry, peony, wet stone, mineral, citrus-infused red berry, earthy shrub
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, bistecca, wild boar ragù, pasta with meat sauce, aged Pecorino, charcuterie

Coastal Tuscany at its most joyful and precise — Petra’s Hebo is the benchmark for what Maremma can deliver at this price.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2019 Rosso Di Montalcino is ripe but energetic, with pure red cherry, rose petal, orange peel, and white pepper. It is medium-bodied, with elegant ripe raspberry with a graceful feel. Seamless, with fine tannins, it is supple and soft in its texture and raises the bar in a big way for the category. 6,700 bottles were produced. 

Vinous 93 Points |  An unbelievably pretty blend of dusty rose, cherry and sage wafts up from the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. It’s strikingly beautiful and graceful within, silky yet cool-toned, mixing saline-tinged minerals with ripe red fruits and floral nuances that resonate throughout. The 2019 finishes structured yet potent and long, leaving lingering dried cherry and licorice notes. Cellaring will be required, but with that said, this is a Rosso of astonishing depth and complexity.

Winemaker Description

The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 100 Points | The 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigneti Del Versante is also a jeweled ruby color and is aromatic of kirsch, fresh flowers, sweet herbs, and toasted rosemary. It's full-bodied on the palate, with a compact and concentrated feel, well-defined tannins, and an extraordinarily long finish. As it opens, it continuously evolves in the glass, with pristine notes of licorice shining through, and becomes even more focused and pristine over time. In my book, this wine flirts with perfection and is more than deserving of top marks. Drink over the coming 2-3 decades..." 01/25

Eric Guido of Vinous writes 97 Points | Nuances of dusty florals, rosemary, sage, clove and leather give way to dried strawberry aromas as the radiant 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante blossoms in the glass. It's silky-smooth and deep, displaying extraordinary elegance. Soothingly soft textures, ripe red and blue fruit notes and a kick of vibrant acidity provide fantastic energy. Sweet, crunchy tannins steadily build toward the violet-tinged finale, tapering off with hints of blood orange and spice. In a word, spellbinding… I've been tasting the 2019 Brunellos at Pian dell'Orino over the past two years as they've slowly evolved in bottle. Last year, I mused over the Vigneti di Versante's classy profile and potential, as well as the Bassolino di Sopra's flirtations with perfection. The former may find its way there in time. Collectors will want to snatch up both of these upon release in 2025.

Winemaker Description

The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

Podere Castorani · Cadetto · Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC · Abruzzo · Italy · 2022

Podere Castorani is one of Abruzzo’s most compelling estates — a historic family winery in Alanno co-owned by former Formula One driver Jarno Trulli, who brought a racing driver’s obsession with precision and detail to his family’s winemaking heritage. The estate farms organically, without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, letting the terroir of Abruzzo speak clearly in every bottle. Cadetto — meaning “Cadet” — is the estate’s entry-level expression of Montepulciano: pure fruit, freshness, and organic integrity at an exceptional price point.

The 2022 pours a deep ruby with violet notes. The nose is intense and inviting — red fruit, dark cherry, plum, and light hints of spice and chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied with mature, smooth tannins, refreshing acidity, and a finish that lingers with spice and cocoa. Approachable now and versatile at the table.

• Producer: Podere Castorani (Jarno Trulli), Alanno, Abruzzo, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
• Varietal: 100% Montepulciano
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry red — full-bodied, fruit-forward, smooth tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, red plum, spice, chocolate, mature tannins, refreshing acidity
• Pairings: Grilled chicken, light beef dishes, veal, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, pizza

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC — certified organic, estate-bottled, and co-owned by an F1 champion. Pure Abruzzo character at an unbeatable price.

Podere Grattamacco's Bolgheri Superiore is one of the coast's most compelling expressions — a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot and Sangiovese, grown on the mineral-rich soils of the Bolgheri DOC. Deeply aromatic and structured, it opens with ripe red fruits, balsamic and Mediterranean herb notes, and a distinctive mineral thread that carries through to a long, persistent finish. Built for the cellar, yet captivating now.

Pairs beautifully with game, wild boar, roasted and braised red meats, and medium-aged cheeses.

Winemaker Description

This small winery is the project of Sandrino Quadraroli, the owner of one of the finest restaurants in central Marche, Osteria del Borgia. Always a champion of the wines of his region, starting in 2012 he was finally able to crown his dream of producing wine. 

The 4 hectares estate was planted in 1999, upside down Guyot system, on clay, sandy and calcareous soil 500 meters above sea level on the south-facing hills right above lake Caccamo in the township of Serrapetrona located in the mountainous central part of the Marche region. 

The focus of the winery is the grape varietal indigenous to this sub-region: Vernaccia Nera, not found anywhere else in the world. This grape has a long history, however it was traditionally vinified sparkling and semi-sweet, possibly in order to tame the bold characteristics that this varietal has: crushed white and black pepper. Over the past two decades or so, a new generation of wineries in the area is concentrating on exalting the unique character of Vernaccia Nera and are bottling still, dry wines. The results are fascinating: the wines are distinctive, aromatic, full-bodied but elegant and vibrant, with good minerality and refreshing acidity. 

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | This exhibits violets and tar, as well as underbrush and a distant bitter-chocolate note. The palate is angular and incisive, well-constructed with a harmonious interplay between the focused acidity, fine grained tannins and delineated, fleshy fruit. Precise. Best ever from here. Better in 2028.

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson 94 Points | A sleek, elegant red, silky in texture and linear in profile. Rose, macerated cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors abound, while a line of energetic tannins shows up on the long finish. This wine's purity and structure show the potential of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck by Audrey Frick 93 Points |  One of the overachievers of the vintage for a regional Barolo and a strong contender for top of the year lists, the 2021 Barolo Ludo pours a reflective brick red color and is attractive on the nose with notes of cinnamon sticks, fresh cherries, mossy earth, and anise. The palate offers a good balance of richness in the structure of its medium-bodied frame, with ripe tannins, lovely clarity of fruit, and refreshing ripe acidity. A gorgeous entry-level Barolo, it’s stunning now and has the potential to age with ease over the next 12-15 years.

Memo Summary Notes

The Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo "Ludo" 2021 is a significant release, as 2021 is being hailed as an exceptional, "best-ever" vintage for this specific bottling. Unlike Einaudi’s single-vineyard crus (like Cannubi or Bussia), Ludo is a blend of Nebbiolo from younger vines across those famous sites, designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Why "Ludo"? The name comes from the Latin ludus, meaning "playful."

Pair with Wild mushroom risotto or tajarin pasta with truffles.

Meats: Braised beef short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops.

Cheese: Aged Grana Padano or Castelmagno.

Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo — Maremma Toscana 2022

Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo is a Tuscan “Super Value,” crafted from a single-vineyard site in the Alta Maremma.

Poggio al Tufo is the Maremma estate of Tommasi Family Estates, one of Italy's most respected multi-generational wine families. Situated in the Alta Maremma near Pitigliano, the estate takes its name from the volcanic tufo rock that defines its soils — porous, mineral-rich, and unlike anything found in the more celebrated corners of Tuscany. The Rompicollo vineyard sits on a south-facing slope where the combination of volcanic soils, Mediterranean warmth, and coastal breezes produces wines of uncommon depth and freshness for the price.

The 2022 Rompicollo is a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon — a Tuscan-international marriage that works beautifully here. The Sangiovese brings structure, acidity, and that characteristic Tuscan earthiness; the Cabernet adds body, dark fruit, and a plush mid-palate that rounds out the blend. The result is a wine that punches well above its price point: serious, food-friendly, and immediately approachable.

Deep, bright ruby in the glass. The nose is elegant and layered — ripe blackberries and raspberries, dried aromatic herbs, a whisper of sweet spice, and the faint mineral signature of volcanic soil. On the palate it is full-bodied and mellow, with velvety tannins, a mouth-filling texture, and a finish that lingers with dark fruit and earthy warmth. Richly flavored yet supple — a wine that rewards both the casual weeknight table and the more considered dinner.

• Producer: Poggio al Tufo (Tommasi Family Estates), Alta Maremma, Tuscany
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Maremma Toscana DOC
• Blend: 60% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Medium-full bodied, fruit-forward Tuscan red
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, dried herbs, sweet spice, volcanic mineral
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Pasta Bolognese, grilled lamb, wild boar ragu, aged pecorino, charcuterie

Maremma's volcanic soils. Tommasi's generational craft. A Tuscan red that overdelivers at every pour.

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James Suckling 91 Points | This has plum, orange peel and tobacco on the nose, alongside some sun-dried tomato. It’s savory, juicy and fresh on the palate with medium body and sleek tannins. Delicious now.

Expert Review - Vintage 2009 

Antonio Galloni writes | The estate's 2009 Taffe Ta' (100% Colorino) is striking. Blackberry jam, cloves, menthol, licorice and melted road tar seem to jump from the glass. Rich, layered, and impeccably balanced throughout, the Taffe Ta' is simply stunning in this vintage.

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Vinous 90 Points |  This is juicy in style and remarkably pure, with a subtle tinge of minerality and vividly ripe cherry-berry fruit notes that flow across a stream of fresh acidity. It tapers off crisp and only gently tannic yet poised with medium length. This is fantastic for the difficult 2023 vintage and not your typical Poliziano Rosso, with just 50% of production and 100% Sangiovese.

Winemaker Description

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Zac” is 100% Sangiovese from the Gugliaie vineyard (2.5 ha). It is dedicated to Anna Corsini, the sister of Prince Tommaso and it represents the new challenges of the winery.

Expert Review

93 Points Wine Enthusiast | A blend of organically farmed Sangiovese and 15% Merlot, this has aromas of forest floor, blue flower, sandalwood and crushed mint. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the savory palate features dried Marasca cherry, blood orange, star anise and black tea set against taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2028. (2018). 

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

94 pts — James Suckling
Bright and overtly fruity, this is full of intoxicating violets, cinnamon, blood oranges and black cherries, expressing mint and balsamic depth. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, dusty yet velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. The chocolaty finish shows licorice and a mouth-coating texture. Delicious and balanced. Drink or hold.

93 pts — Vinous
The 2022 Barbaresco is a pretty rich, heady wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, cloves, licorice and mocha build as the 2022 shows off its considerable depth. One of the few 2022s that is quite resonant texturally. The inclusion of some juice from Riserva lots is a great help. All things considered, this is a stellar showing.

92 pts — Jeb Dunnuck
Jeweled red color with aromas of ripe raspberry liqueur, fresh cherries, sweet herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins and a clean, even finish. Juicy and approachable. Drink 2025–2040.

Winemaker Notes

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper, and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant, and ethereal.

About Produttori del Barbaresco

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy's most revered wine cooperatives — and the benchmark producer for Barbaresco DOCG. The cooperative unites growers from the finest crus in the Barbaresco commune: Asili, Rabajà, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Pora, and Rio Sordo. Under winemaker Aldo Vacca, Produttori remains committed to traditional Nebbiolo winemaking — long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and minimal intervention — producing wines of extraordinary purity, terroir expression, and age-worthiness at prices that consistently over-deliver.

Food Pairings

Fresh pasta with truffles or ragù, braised lamb, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Barolo-braised short ribs. Cellar through 2040 or decant 2–3 hours before serving now.

Product Details

• Producer: Produttori del Barbaresco
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: Large Slavonian oak casks
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, age-worthy
• Drink: Now–2040 (decant 2–3 hours)
• Format: 750ml

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine
Made from organically grown grapes and vegan friendly, this dark, juicy, easy-drinking Nero d’Avola is uncomplicated, packed with flavor, and irresistibly delicious. Plump and round in the mouth with blackberry, plum, and raspberry fruit at its core, with silky tannins and a velvety rich texture. An affordable indulgence for any meal — an ideal partner to pasta in tomato sauce and hearty pizza.

Winemaker Description

Deep purple-red color. The nose reveals intense fruity notes of blackberry and blueberry compote, together with smoky and spicy notes. On the palate it is extraordinarily round and complete, with a natural and effortless balance of tannin and acidity, structure and length.

Sustainability

Purato’s environmental commitment extends into the winery. Purato uses eco-friendly packaging made from recycled paper, pure vegetable ink on the labels, and 85% recycled glass for the bottle.

Product Details

• Producer: Purato
• Region: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nero d’Avola
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Dietary: Vegan friendly
• Closure: Screw cap
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Medium-bodied, juicy, easy-drinking Sicilian red
• Format: 750ml

Purato | Catarratto & Pinot Grigio | Terre Siciliane IGT | Sicily, Italy | 2025 | Certified Organic | Vegan

Purato is a Sicilian producer committed to organic farming, vegan winemaking, and sustainable packaging — bottled in recycled and recyclable materials. Their wines are made to express the natural freshness and character of Sicily's sun-drenched vineyards without compromise, and at a price that makes them an effortless everyday choice.

Sicily is Italy's southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea — a land with over 2,500 years of winemaking history and a unique terroir shaped by volcanic soils, warm sunshine, and cooling sea breezes. Catarratto is Sicily's most widely planted white grape, prized for its natural freshness, aromatic lift, and food-friendly character. Blended here with Pinot Grigio, the two varieties complement each other beautifully — Catarratto bringing the island's natural citrus and stone fruit character, Pinot Grigio adding a subtle aromatic lift and light body.

Bright, clean, and effortlessly enjoyable. Stone fruit flavors of peach and citrus with a subtle tropical note, light harmonious body, and a fresh, clean finish. A wine that punches well above its price point.

"Light, clean, and offers stone fruit flavors of peach, citrus and a subtle tropical fruit note. Purely enjoyable, harmonious, light-bodied with freshness making it a perfect wine for every day drinking." — Debra, 67Wine

Perfect with light seafood, salads, fresh cheeses, grilled vegetables, and as an aperitif. Try it alongside selections from 67Gourmet.

• Producer: Purato
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Blend: Catarratto, Pinot Grigio
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Suitable for: Vegans
• Packaging: Recycled & recyclable materials
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This red shows some depth to the black cherry, black currant, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. There is a hint of tar, and the firm structure is well-integrated. Drink now through 2032.  — Bruce Sanderson

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This blend opens with ripe aromas that recall blueberry and strawberry jam, followed by notes of spice, chocolate and moist tobacco. The finish is soft and velvety, and it comes with a touch of plush richness. This is complex and balanced.

Decanter 91 Points | Sweet wood nuances lead with cinnamon, clove and a touch of vanilla eventually ceding to wild cherry and wet soil. On the palate, forest berries are laced with chocolate. The fruit is concentrated and plush with ripe, powdery tannins giving effortless support. This is its usual sophisticated and polished self, with lots of juiciness. Yields are a low 30 hL/ha and ageing is in a combination of French oak tonneaux and barriques, 10% new. Give this another year for the wood to integrate.  Drinking 2022 -2027 — Michaela Morris

Jancis Robinson 17.5 Points | Greve in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese.  The grapes were destemmed but not crushed and fermented in stainless steel as well as oak casks where it also went through MLF. Aged in barriques and tonneaux for up to 14 months. Certified vegan and organic.

Walter Speller | Medium to deep crimson. Gorgeous nose of cherry and with the scent of cigar box. Luscious juicy fruit on the palate and silky tannins that make their mark. Beautiful balance and elegant and concentrated at the same time. Amazing length and focus. Drinking 2021 -2028.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2018 Chianti Classico is classy, polished and exceptionally beautiful. Like so many wines in 2018, the Chianti Classico is aromatic and gracious in feel, more finesse than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright Sangiovese fruit. From start to finish, the 2018 is all class.  Drinking 2020 -2033.

Expert Reviews 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2020 Chianti Classico is impressive and pure, with ripe black cherry, a hint of blue fruit, violets, and sweet herbs. It is medium to full-bodied, with supple fruit throughout, fine grained tannins, and a polished feel. It displays fresh acidity without any harsh edges, but it is mouthwatering and compels returning for more. This beautiful wine from Querciabella is drinking well now, and I imagine will continue to improve over the coming decade or more. (2020).

James Suckling 93 Points | Pure fruit on the nose, with rose hips, cherries, blueberries, lemon leaves and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and firm tannins. Vibrant and elegant, with such purity of fruit. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. (2020).

Decanter 92 Points | With an annual production of approximately 150,000 bottles, this is Querciabella’s calling card – and an impressive one at that. It also gives an incisive panoramic shot of the Chianti Classico region as it's a blend of estate vineyards in three different subzones. Bright and fresh, the 2020 annata emerges energetically out of the glass with exuberant and pure red cherry and currants. It gains intrigue with stylish touches of mocha, tarragon and truffles. It's full and vigorous yet light on its feet thanks to radiant acidity, while well-formed tannins lend just the right amount of chew. As suave as it is characterful. (2020).

Renato Ratti · Barbera d’Asti · 2025

Named after the heroic Piedmontese regiments of the 18th century, the Battaglione is Renato Ratti’s flagship Barbera d’Asti — and one of the most reliably compelling values in all of Piedmont. Sourced from estate vineyards in the Asti hills and crafted to showcase Barbera at its most expressive, this is a wine that earns its reputation vintage after vintage: ripe, generous, and immediately seductive, yet with the structure and bright acidity that makes it endlessly food-friendly.

The 2025 opens with an intense, inviting nose of ripe red and dark fruits, wild berries, and a delicate spice thread that adds intrigue without weight. On the palate it is full-flavored and lush, with a long, persistent finish that lingers well beyond its price point. Pair with anything from a weeknight pasta to a Sunday bracíole — Barbera was made for the table, and Ratti’s Battaglione is the benchmark.

93 points — Wine Enthusiast | “Mixed berries lounge in a hammock, showing exactly why Barbera earned its reputation as comfort wine with class.” (Prior Vintage)

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, oak aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe red and dark fruits, wild berries, spice, lush texture, bright acidity, long persistent finish
• Food Pairings: Pasta al ragù, braised meats, pizza, risotto, rustic Italian fare

A 93-point Barbera d’Asti at an honest price — the benchmark for what Piedmont’s most food-friendly grape can be.

Renato Ratti Ochetti Langhe Nebbiolo — Piedmont, Italy 2024

For more than 50 years, the name Ratti has been indissolubly tied to Barolo — and to the very soul of Piedmontese winemaking. Renato Ratti was a pioneer who helped define the modern style of Nebbiolo, and today the estate in La Morra continues his legacy with the same commitment to elegance, transparency, and terroir. The Ochetti is their benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo: an ancient wine originally sourced from the sandy hills of Roero on the left bank of the Tanaro River, now blended with fruit from cooler sites in Dogliani for added freshness and lift. Fermented with full berries and approximately one week of skin contact, the 2024 emphasizes elegance over power — and delivers it beautifully. A Decanter Silver Medal winner.

The color is a transparent, luminous ruby-red with orange hints. The nose is bright and fragrant: cranberry, forest strawberry, raspberry, fresh flowers, orange zest, and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, snappy, and lively — smooth tannins, bright acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish that is pleasantly bitter in the classic Nebbiolo tradition. This is Nebbiolo at its most approachable and joyful.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 • Decanter Silver Medal — "Bright and refreshing, with aromas of cranberries, fresh flowers, orange zest, and spice. Snappy and lively on the palate, with bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck — 89 Points
Pouring a transparent red-orange hue, the 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo Ochetti is bright and refreshing, with aromas of cranberries, fresh flowers, orange zest, and spice. Historically sourced from Roero, the wine now also includes fruit from cooler sites in Dogliani, balancing the warmth of Roero with added freshness. Made with roughly one week of skin contact and fermented as of 2024 with full berries, the style emphasizes elegance rather than power. Medium-bodied, it’s snappy and lively on the palate, with bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vineyards: Roero (sandy hills, left bank of Tanaro) + Dogliani (cooler sites)
• Vinification: Full berry fermentation, ~1 week skin contact
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cranberry, forest strawberry, raspberry, orange zest, fresh flowers, warm spice, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled red meats, game, truffled fondue, agnolotti, spiced meat sauces, aged cheeses

Nebbiolo at its most elegant and joyful — Ratti’s Ochetti is the benchmark for what Langhe can deliver at this price.

Renieri Rosso di Montalcino — Montalcino, Tuscany 2024

Renieri is one of Montalcino's most respected organic estates, and this Rosso di Montalcino is the clearest expression of why. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in the heart of Tuscany and crafted from Sangiovese Grosso — the same noble grape as Brunello di Montalcino — the 2024 delivers uncommon depth and precision for a Rosso. Vinous awarded it 92 points, noting it displays "significantly more depth than expected." 

The wine opens with a mentholated freshness and a classic bouquet of cherries, prunes, and floral aromas that open to more sophisticated notes of slate. On the palate, it is complex and vibrant with cooling acidity, crisp wild berry fruits, violet pastille nuances, and gentle, fine tannins. A touch of tartness is accompanied by a succulent, balanced body and an exciting finish with returning hints of ripe fruit and fantastic length.

"The 2024 Rosso di Montalcino opens with a mentholated freshness and floral aromas. This displays significantly more depth than expected, with cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits. Violet pastille nuances swirl over gentle, fine tannins as the 2024 tapers off with fantastic length." — Eric Guido, Vinous, 92 Points (Vintage 2024)

• Producer: Renieri, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino DOC
• Varietal: Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone)
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, elegant, mineral-driven Tuscan red
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherries, prunes, wild berries, violet, slate, mentholated freshness, fine tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roast lamb, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, truffle pasta

A 92-point organic Rosso di Montalcino at an honest price — Renieri is the benchmark for what Montalcino can deliver before Brunello.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Deep red with purple tones in the beginning, changing to garnet red throughout its aging process. The bouquet brings out notes of berries, marmalade, violets, vanilla, fig and almonds, with slight smoky hues. Dry, elegant, harmonious and full-bodied with typical acidic notes during its juvenile stage. Becomes more round and complex over the years obtaining a soft finish.

Riondo | Prosecco DOC | Extra Dry | Veneto, Italy | 187ml Split

Prosecco in its most personal format — a single-serve 187ml split that delivers all the charm of the full bottle without the commitment. Riondo is one of the Veneto’s most reliable Prosecco producers, drawing on Glera grapes from the DOC zone to craft a wine that is effusively fruity, floral, and clean. Extra Dry in Prosecco terms means just a touch of residual sweetness — enough to round out the fruit and soften the bubbles, without tipping into sweet territory. Persistent effervescence, delicate floral notes, and a crystal-clean finish make this the ideal aperitif, celebration pour, or single-glass treat. Perfect for events, gifting, or stocking the fridge for a spontaneous moment worth marking.

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Extra Dry (lightly off-dry)
• Format: 187ml Split (single serve)
• Method: Charmat (tank method)
• Best For: Aperitivo, events, gifting, single-serve entertaining

Critical Acclaim

Wine Advocate | 90 Points: Effusively fruity, light-bodied offering with terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence, and a clean, delicate finish. Crystal clean and pure — an ideal aperitif. An amazing Prosecco.

Pairing Suggestions

• Aperitivo: Prosciutto, melon, light bruschetta, or fresh fruit.
• Casual: Soft cheeses, smoked salmon blinis, or a simple spritz base.
• Celebration: A festive single-serve pour for toasts, events, or gifting.