Shop for wines by Country: Italy

Abruzzo

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  Valle Reale Vigne Nuove 2004 NZD $22.95 NZD $21.95
  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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Chianti - Tuscany

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  Geografico Solemiro 2008 NZD $13.95 NZD $12.95
  This is the baby of the family right from the heart of Tuscany made from Sangiovese with a small proportion of Merlot. The wine has a slightly crimson red colour with a touch of purple. On the palate the Sangiovese offers generous spiced and smokey flavours which are very well balanced by the fruity and plumy characteristics of the Merlot. This makes it a great companion to light pasta dishes, meals and your favourite BBQ. Excellent value for your money at $12.95. Drink now or keep for 2 years.
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  Geografico Vernaccia 2008 NZD $18.95 NZD $17.95 Out of stock
  Want to enjoy a white wine gem from Tuscany that won't break the bank? Geografico Vernaccia di San Gimignano is produced in the charming multi-towered village of San Gimignano in Tuscany. This very pleasant white wine is made from 100% Vernaccia, one of Italy's native grape varietals. Geografico Vernaccia is pale yellow-gold in colour, crisp and smooth, with a nose of lemons and almonds. Dry with medium body and no oak, this food-friendly white wine offers flavours of citrus, apple, almonds and mineral notes. It is clean on the finish, with lingering fruit. Enjoy Geografico Vernaccia di San Gimignano with light pastas and specially antipasti.
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  Geografico Chianti Colli Senesi 2008 NZD $19.95 NZD $18.95
  A big influence in the distinction of each one is the age of the vines and the 'terroir' which literally means 'earth' or in the viticultural sense it refers to the complete growing environment of soil, altitude, climate and any other factor that may affect the life of the vine. On opening this, the flavours are tight and dry with and interesting bouquet of tarragon which hits the nose. The palate is dry and spicy with a slight acidity and a hint of saltiness. Among the array of complex flavours are stewed prunes and a strong suggestion of it being the perfect wine to serve with Parma Ham and ideal with pastas. Drink now or keep for 2-3 years.
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  Geografico Chianti Classico 2004 NZD $29.95 NZD $26.95
  Our latest shipment from this outstanding producer in Tuscany that most of you will be familiar with, the 2004 is a superb vintage which is starting to drink beautifully now but will also cellar. As with many Chiantis it is recommended that you open the bottle and give it plenty of air, made form 100% Sangiovese, beautifully perfumed, medium to full bodied, clean, vibrant fruit yet typical Chianti, leathery, smoky, dry fruits and great acidity which will carry it for the next 3-4 years. Outstanding with antipasto, pasta etc.
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Piedmont

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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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  Marchesi Spinola Barolo 2000 NZD $79.95 NZD $74.95
  We have been able to get a superb deal on this Barolo and as we have said before, it is not easy to get great Barolo at great prices but this would be it. It is on par with many classified growths from Bordeaux and on some occasions even better. It is said that Barolo is the king of wines and the wine for kings, there is a lot of truth in that. From the area of Piedmont in the North of Italy bordering Switzerland where the Nebiolo grape which it is made from has been cultivated for centuries. This particular wine is just outstanding. It is a traditional Barolo which is made in a relatively modern winemaking style. The wine is big and fat with enormous depth and concentration yet it remains focused, clean and pure. Starting to drink now but will also cellar for 7-8 years plus.
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  Aldo Conterno Bussia Barolo 2001 NZD $132.95
  Barolo is situated in Piemonte region of Italy on the boarder with Switzerland. Literally meaning at the foot of the mountain. Aldo Conterno has become known as the king of Barolo, situated in Monforte d'Alba on one of the most outstanding vineyards in the world, the Bussia Soprano vineyard. The Conterno family have been producing this outstanding wine for over 5 generations. These wines are on par with any second and indeed first growths from Bordeaux and we are talking about Chéteau Lafite, Chéteau Latour and Chéteau Margaux etc but at a 1/3 of the price. The 2001 vintage is outstanding, it marks the last great run of vintages from 1996 to 2001. This producer is able to capture the true essence of Nebbiolo as rarely seen before. There is only one way to describe this wine, that is superlative, outstanding, big, generous and vinerous. Ageing was done in Slavonian oak followed by 12 months of bottle age before release. This is classic Barolo, tobacco, earth, star anise, dry flowers... more »
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  Gaja Barbaresco 2005 NZD $289.95
  "Floral aromatics give way to bright spiced red fruits, menthol and licorice as the 2005 Barbaresco opens in the glass. This is a firm, classically built wine of notable elegance. The tannins are substantial yet beautifully woven into the wine’s mid-weight frame. This is another beautiful Barbaresco from Angelo Gaja, but it will require patience as it is tightly wound today. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 94/100" --Robert Parker... more »
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Puglia

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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 Cinque Passi Negroamaro 2007 NZD $19.95 NZD $18.95
  There are very few areas in the world with the history and traditions of winemaking equal to Puglia in the South of Italy, their wine making history goes back to the Phenicians, Greeks and the Romans, who eventually introduced wine to the rest of Europe. There are very few areas in the world which have undergone such an enormous transformation in the last 10 years. They have gone from producing very much bulk and dull wine to world class, modern, juicy, exciting and sexy wines. Menhir is very much a family affair that is situated in Salento, South of Puglia. The wine it is made in a modern style yet not ignoring tradition or its terroir, the 2007 it is the best vintage they have made up to date, ripe fruit intensity with mineral notes, power, balance and amazing middle palate. At $18.95 in case lots, you won’t find anything better.
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  Castel del Monte Riviera Rosé 2005 NZD $19.95
  This is what Rosé should be like, dry, crisp, very clean and low on alcohol. Having said that it still offers generous fruit, freshness and clean acidity. Made from the variety Bombino Nero which has been macerated around 18 months and allowed to express the fruitiness and freshness that this particular grape produces. Superb with anti pasto, fish or just on its own. Ideal for summer lunches and as an aperitif. Drink now and over summer.
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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.

Sicily

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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 2006 NZD $19.95 NZD $17.95
  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 2006 NZD $27.95 NZD $24.95
  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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Tuscany

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  Renzo Masi Sangiovese di Toscana 2008 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 $22.95 NZD $19.95
  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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  Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2001 NZD $49.95
  Poggio Teo originates from slope of the hill to the same name, in a typical Tuscan landscape like a little corner of paradise where time seem to stand still. What distinguishes one high quality wine from another is the land: the composition of the soil and sub soil, the microclimate, exposure to the sun and so on. This is what modern Chianti is all about, powerful and concentrated but still typical Chianti with lovely salty aromas, dry and leathery. Chianti is another region that in the last 15 years it bounced back with a vengeance and at $39.95 it offers unbeatable value. Drink now or over the next 5 years.
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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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Veneto

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  De Canal Pinot Grigio 2007 NZD $12.95 NZD $10.95
  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 $10.95 it might sound unreal but this is the real deal, it’s quite superb!
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  Monte Forte Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay 2005 NZD $19.95
  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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  Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio Riserva 2007 NZD $29.95 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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  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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Maremma Toscana

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  Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Vermentino 2007 NZD $39.95 NZD $36.95
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