Tour of Italy
- Mixed
- Various
It’s not that difficult to find a great red wine most anywhere in Italy. Getting to Italy to enjoy that wine...well that’s another story. So we’ve done the hard yards and put together a pack of some of our favourite reds from Tuscany and Piemonte, two of our go-to regions. You’ll find some nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, sangiovese and even cabernet within the box. That trip to Italy might have to wait for another day, but your vinous enjoyment certainly doesn’t have to.
Each case contains ONE bottle of the following:
Red
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- Cabernet Blend
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- Tuscany
- Cabernet Blend
- Tuscany
Corte Medicea seems to keep bringing the good stuff. This is Adulis, their blend of cabernets from Tuscany. It’s rich, yet elegant, powerful, yet silky. There’s a lot going on here...fruit like blueberries, plums and raspberries. Secondary notes hint at mocha and pepper. If you’re a fan of the brighter wines of Bordeaux or the richer cabernets of Margaret River, then this’ll be right up your alley. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Luca Maroni scored it a gaudy 98 points.
Red
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- Nebbiolo
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- Piedmont
- Nebbiolo
- Piedmont
Riccinnebbia translates directly as ‘curly fog’ in English. This references the autumnal fog that often curls over the Langhe region during the annual grape harvest. The wine is of course 100% nebbiolo, hand harvested and laid to rest in a variety of oak barrels for periods of 10-16 months depending on the vessel. It’s rather full in body for nebbiolo with a floral nose and delicate red fruits on the palate. The finish is dry but there’s a hint of fruit sweetness (not sugar) that provides lift and makes the wine enjoyable on its own or with gamier meats and charcuterie.
Red
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- Barbera
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- Piedmont
- Barbera
- Piedmont
Italians have a secret and it’s nearly out. They’ve been keeping barbera all to themselves. Who can blame them? We’re excited to bring this fresh release to the ‘fo. Originating from Northern Italy, in the region of Piedmont, barbera is the most planted grape variety there, for good reason. If you enjoy lighter, fruit-driven styles of red, think cherries, red berries and blackberries enveloped in softer tannins, then this could be your match made in.... speaking of match made in heaven... not sure what to pair it with? A personal favourite is earthy, mushroom pizza drizzled in truffle oil (Piedmont is truffle country after all). The cooler, northern climate creates a high acid red ready to cut through any rich dish, go for gamey meats, mushroom pizza, anything, just don’t let the Italians know that we know. The secret’s out. Barbera is the new black. Or is it red? Just definitely not white, cause it’s a red grape variety.
Red
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- Sangiovese
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- Tuscany
- Sangiovese
- Tuscany
Head Buyer John Clark loves this wine. Was heard saying: “The 2015 release is quite simply stunning! It’s going straight to my cellar.” And yes indeed, this wine is like pulling up to the club in a ruby red Lambo with full-bodied, handpicked sangiovese under the hood. Well, not really, but this wine is just as Italian and just as luxurious. 2015 was a stunner of a Chianti vintage, and Carobbio have made the most of it. The Carobbio team are all about care and precision, and this is a wine of extreme elegance and finesse. It’s opulent, spicy, with ripe black fruits and and bold but super soft tannins creating a smooth, balanced ride. Hop in.
Red
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- Red Blend
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- Piedmont
- Red Blend
- Piedmont
This organic Langhe Rosso from the boutique winery of the Giribaldi family has the typical components of dolcetto, barbera and nebbiolo, but there’s also a surprising touch of pinot noir in the blend. It’s medium-bodied, ruby red in colour and bursting with aromas of cherry, redcurrant and tobacco. On the palate the fruit carries through, but is accompanied by hints of vanilla and licorice undoubtedly drawn from the wine’s generous time in seasoned oak. It’s easygoing enough to enjoy a glass on its own, but the acid structure is plenty apparent for pairing with savoury, meaty dishes. Try it with carne cruda, agnolotti del Plin or brasato. You’ll feel like you’re sitting under the shadow of the Italian Alps.
Red
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- Dolcetto
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- Piedmont
- Dolcetto
- Piedmont
They drink dolcetto in Piemonte while they’re waiting for the nebbiolo to ripen, or so they say. This is a concentrated wine, bursting with rich, juicy fruit. There’s depth to it, and plenty of interest in the glass. Think pinot with more body, or merlot with more cherry (and character). There’s no oak, so it’s all about that fruit flavour and fun drinking. An ideal candidate to take to dinner parties. Being Italian, it’s naturally charming, and it’ll pair with pretty much everything too.