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Valle Reale Vigne Nuove 2006
NZD $22.95 NZD $21.95
Out of Stock
Situated on the East Coast of Italy by the Adriatic Sea dating back to the late 1800's, Montepulciano has been known all over the world. Valle Reale is situated in one of Italy's most beautiful national parks, with a slight maritime climate and mineral rich soils. This is a model for central Italian wines. The wine is dark in colour which shows strength, exuberance, vitality yet remaining elegant, balanced and pure. Made exclusively from the Montepulciano grape, the wine has wonderful depth, great structure and pretty much sets a new benchmark for modern Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Drink now or over the next 4-5 years.
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Valle Reale Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005
NZD $49.95 NZD $39.95
Valle Reale introduces the wine lover to a new breed of Montepulciano. Surprisingly concentrated, with silky tannins and layers of dark berry fruit and spices, this is a rich and aromatic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Full-bodied and firm, yet supple, it is ready to be enjoyed with hearty pasta dishes, roasted poultry or lamb, and ribs.
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De Canal Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008
NZD $17.95 NZD $16.95
This wine comes from the Abruzzo region, which is located mid-way down the eastern coast of Italy. Produced from Montepulciano grapes, this wine is deep plum coloured with intense spice and cherry aromas, a luscious, fruity, medium-bodied palate and smooth tannins. Serve at room temperature with pasta, pizza, red meat, game or cheese.
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Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Costa Russi 2005
NZD $594.95
"The 2005 Costa Russi shimmers on the palate with extraordinary grace. The wine boasts wonderful depth and richness in its dark red fruit in a round, generous style that offers lovely balance to the tannins. Notes of tar, smoke and licorice develop in the glass, adding a touch of complexity and nuance that is sometimes missing in this bottling. The French oak is present, but deftly balanced with the wine’s other components. As always, Costa Russi comes across as relatively accessible when young, but it is sure to only improve with age. Recent bottles of the 1985 have been nothing short of glorious. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 96/100" --Robert Parker
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Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo "Sori Tildin" 2005
NZD $594.95
"The 2005 Sori Tildin appears to be incredibly primary and youthful. Floral aromatics meld seamlessly into freshly cut roses, raspberries, licorice, tar and menthol. This graceful, feminine wine reveals tons of elegance and finesse in an understated style. Today the Sori Tildin shows a touch more oak than the other single-vineyard wines, which suggests it may not quite have the stuffing of the very finest vintages. Still, this remains a vibrant and very Piedmontese wine in need of only one thing, and that is a long slumber in the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035. 95/100" --Robert Parker
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Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo "Sori San Lorenzo" 2005
NZD $594.95
"Gaja’s 2005 Sori San Lorenzo is a dense, dark beauty of sensual, irresistible charm. This richly-textured, expansive wine flows with masses of ripe dark fruit, menthol, licorice and mineral in a sumptuous, full-bodied style. The use of oak is simply masterful here and the wine boasts extraordinary balance. I am not sure how he does it, but Angelo Gaja is easily Italy’s most consistently brilliant producer. For those who can afford it, this is another gem from Gaja. Readers should interpret my drinking windows with a large grain of salt. The 1990 Sori San Lorenzo is still young, and the 1978 is amazingly fresh, so it is anyone’s guess as to when this wine might be actually "ready." In the meantime, this wine is sure to provide enormous pleasure to those lucky enough to own it. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. 96/100" --Robert Parker
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Marchesi Spinola Barbaresco 2001
NZD $66.95 NZD $54.95
Barbaresco situated in Piermonte, northern Italy, is one of the two classic wines alongside Barolo from this region. Made from the Nebbiolo grape in many cases they rival any Barolo but at considerably better prices. There is no doubt that the man that made Barbaresco a world class wine is Angelo Gaja. The 2001 vintage was quite superb even though a little young at the moment but it will cellar for 6-8 years. At the moment it exhibits an array of dark berry fruit, granite, minerality and supercharged tannins. The palate is hugely concentrated with immense power and depth yet remaining very clean and focused. Given a few years it will turn into an amazing wine among the best in the world which is what Barbaresco is. At $54.95 this is a complete steal.
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Menhir Novementi Bianco Salento 2006
NZD $17.95 NZD $16.95
Out of Stock
A small portion of Verdeca (an ancient Pulianese white grape variety) has been blended with the Chardonnay to create an incredible white wine experience. It displays a rush of honey, pear drop, guava, passionfruit and banana notes oozing from the glass. On the palate, sweet tangerine, feijoa and crushed pineapple mingle between layers of fine cinnamon spice. It’s Chardonnay with exotic expression, delicious fruit weight and a sensationally refreshing edge that will have it at the top of your summer white wine choices once you’ve tasted it and got the bug.
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Menhir Primitno Manduria 2004
NZD $29.95 NZD $28.95
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Menhir No Zero Negroamaro 2006
NZD $21.95 NZD $19.95
Out of Stock
These beautiful vineyards rest on a stunning national park in Puglia on the Northern Border of Salento., this is another reason why Southern Italian wines offer extraordinary value for under $20 it offers an array of raspberry jam, smoky stone fruit aromas, big middle palate yet remaining focused, fresh and very pure. Its soft tannins and vibrant acidity gives it life, vibrancy and even though it is drinking beautifully now, it will also cellar for another 4-5 years. Outstanding value for money.
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Menhir Tre Lune Malvasia Nera 2004
NZD $21.95 NZD $19.95
This is one of those varieties that has been around as long as the Roman Empire. It was always over looked, over worked, over cropped, in fact it wasn’t really treated very nicely. However the modern versions that some producers are making are a complete transformation. Almost black inky colour loaded with wild flowers, herbs and dry fruits, it’s expressive, juicy and succulent yet clean, vibrant and fresh, it’s not sweet or jammy and an excellent vintage which is drinking very well now however will also keep for another few years. Ideal for the BBQ, roast etc.
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Duca di Castelmonte Fiorile Rosso 2007
NZD $18.95
Out of Stock
The Southern Italian areas of Sicily, Pulgia, Calabria have been producing wines since Roman times. It is no surprise that in recent years they have been creating a huge interest worldwide, you will hear about these areas a lot in the forthcoming years. This wine is from Sicily and is made from Nerello Mascalese and Sangiovese. Aged for 1 year in stainless steel and a further 6 months in oak expresses ripe dry fruits on the nose with hints of spice and raisins. The palate is rich and generous with soft tannins, clean acidity, concentrated and focused also showing hints of Christmas pudding, tar and saw dust. Drinking very well now though it will cellar for another 2-3 years. Ideal with roasted and BBQ meats. At this price it is an absolute bargain as it will give a lot of local wines, at twice to three times the price, a run for their money.
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La Mura Grillo 2007
NZD $16.95 NZD $9.95
You will not identify Sicily with the production of top white wines or indeed any wine 10-15 years ago. However over the last 15 years or so the island has undergone a complete revolution both in white and red wines. This is Grillo, the native grape variety that has been cultivated since ancient times. In the old days it used to be an indifferent white wine that you would drink throughout summer. But now it is a different animal. With better winemaking techniques, it is one of the most exciting white grape varieties in the world! It can produce fresh, flinty, crisp white wines but also can produce serious white wines for aging. This is the former version, young, floral with hints of citrus and tropical fruits but very balanced with emphasis on texture, concentration and depth, no oak, there is no need for it. For summer with shellfish or fish, you wont get any better!
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Tommasi Soave Classico 2003
NZD $24.95 NZD $22.95
Northern Italy apart from producing such classics as Amarone, Barolo, Barbaresco etc, the white wines have always lived in the shadows of the red superstars. The Soave is a well known appellation which has produced superb white wines for many years. This wine is made of Garganega (90%) and Trebbiano Veronese (10%) with lees contact for 6 months in stainless steel tanks. The colour is straw yellow with a bouquet of flower, delicate pear and citrus aromas. On the palate it is full bodied with depth, structure and a good degree of purity, it also shows roasted almonds, dry herbs and ripe figs. Excellent with fish, anti-pasto or veal. Drink now or cellar for 2-3 years.
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Tommasi "Le Volpare" Soave Classico 2008
NZD $29.95 NZD $26.95
Northern Italy apart from producing such classics as Amarone, Barolo, Barbaresco etc, the white wines have always lived in the shadows of the red superstars. The Soave is a well known appellation which has produced superb white wines for many years. This wine is made of Garganega (90%) and Trebbiano Veronese (10%) with lees contact for 6 months in stainless steel tanks. The colour is straw yellow with a bouquet of flower, delicate pear and citrus aromas. On the palate it is full bodied with depth, structure and a good degree of purity, it also shows roasted almonds, dry herbs and ripe figs. Excellent with fish, anti-pasto or veal. Drink now or cellar for 2-3 years.
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Garofoli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2009
NZD $21.95 NZD $19.95
Verdicchio had a great comeback over the last 15-20 years, situated in Marche, central east of Italy and has also been known for producing a crisp, flinty and mineral wine that is excellent with shellfish, fish and white meats. The modern versions are mostly tank fermented with no oak or over elaborate winemaking but yet displaying excellent concentration, depth and freshness. Try with fish, shellfish or pastas.
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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2006
NZD $219.95
This is the original Super Tuscan that challenged conventional winemaking and tradition in Tuscany. Since its beginning in 1968, its reputation has spread worldwide, of course we are talking about a wine which rivals any top Bordeaux and we are talking about 1st growths such as Chateau Lafite, Latour, Margaux etc. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the main Bordeaux varieties, the 2006 vintage is one of the best in the last 25 years. The consistency, quality and reputation of Sassicaia rivals any of the best wines in the world, you would easily pay 3/4 times the price for many classified growths from Bordeaux and I’m not just referring to first Growths but also top St. Emilion, Graves and Pomerol. Take advantage of our very special indent price, put it in the cellar for 8/10 years and compare it to a Lafite, Margaux, Mouton etc and see what you think.
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Gaja Conteisa 2004
NZD $389.95
"The 2004 Langhe Conteisa, from vineyards in La Morra, is especially dark-toned and rich in this vintage. Made in an uncharacteristically weighty, opulent style for this wine, it reveals plenty of ripe dark fruit, spices, new leather, licorice and tar. With air it gradually turns more feminine and delicate, yet it remains a gorgeous, sumptuous wine of outstanding pedigree." - 94 points, Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate # 174
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Renzo Masi Sangiovese di Toscana 2009
NZD $19.95 NZD $18.95
Renzo Masi is one of the top producers in Tuscany. We have been selling his wines for many years. This is completely sourced from their vineyards in the Rufina area. It has an intense fruity perfume reminiscent of leather, tobacco and hints of smoke. The wine is medium to full bodied which is ideal to go with pasta dishes or light anti pasto. Renzo Masi mostly known for the production of top Chianti and Chianti Riservas on particularly good vintages makes the Sangiovese on its own which after about 2-3 years cellaring, the wine offers incredibly good value for money. Drink now or cellar for 2-3 years.
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Antinori Campogrande Orvieto Classico 2008
NZD $28.95 NZD $26.95
For lovers of Sauvignon Blanc, this is a perfect alternative. Orvieto made from a blend of Grechetto, Procanico and a touch of Malvasia Bianca is an incredibly fresh, crisp and flinty wine that suits a variety of dishes also it exhibits a beautiful brilliant yellow green colour, intensely fruity but still elegant and harmonious. It is 12% alcohol level which makes it ideal for lunch or also as an aperitif. What we like about this wine is that it is also dry and light yet it exhibits very good middle palate, length and structure. Have it with prosciutto or shell fish.
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Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio Riserva 2009
NZD $26.95 NZD $24.95
Our new arrival of our most popular Pinot Grigio, we have literally sold 100s of cases and once you try it is quite easy to understand why. The north east of Italy where this particular Pinot Grigio is from produces some outstanding cool climate white wines. It is crisp, light and delicate, slightly oily with hints of Turkish delight, pine nuts and some lovely acidity. If you are tired of semi-sweet heavy Pinot Gris, this is for you, refreshing, flinty and mineral, excellent with food or without and drinking well now or over the next couple of years.
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Monte Forte Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay 2005
NZD $19.95
Out of Stock
One of the great classic blends in Italy, made from a majority of Pinot Grigio and a little Chardonnay from a superb vintage such as 2005. This particular area has been very well known for many years for producing outstanding Soave, Pinot Grigio etc. It's dry and crisp with a bouquet of pine nuts, dry herbs and ripe pear but yet still remaining fresh, clean, fruity and aromatic. Medium to full bodied, it's a wine that will develop well for the next couple of years but is outstanding at the moment with fish, white meats etc.
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Carpene Malvolti Rosé Brut
NZD $39.95 NZD $34.95
From the region of Veneto, northern Italy, Carpene Malvolti has been producing sparkling wine since 1860, one of the longest histories in the production of sparkling wine. This is made from Pinot Nero and Raboso. The blend of these two varieties along with a slow fermentation in pressurised tanks has produced an intensely perfumed and floral wine. Wonderful refined bubbles with a delicate bouquet yet full rounded flavour, bright pink in colour with crimson highlights, very refreshing, vibrant and fresh.
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De Canal Pinot Grigio 2010
NZD $17.95 NZD $16.95
Out of Stock
Pinot Grigio has been a remarkable success for the northern areas of Italy, it is not a style in the French Alsace version but rather very unique Italian. They can vary from regional style to single vineyard and riservas. This is not a riserva however it is incredible to find a wine of this sort of quality especially at the price. We were a little concerned about the actual price and we tried it 3 times just to make sure. Crisp, flinty and incredibly fresh, slightly oily with a touch of fig and pear. Beautiful acidity, lovely middle palate, you could imagine yourself drinking some of this during summer with some fish or an anti-pasto. It has to be said at $16.95 it might sound unreal but this is the real deal, it’s quite superb!
