Italy’s deep south is best known for big, smoky wines made from its prized local varieties – Primitivo, Negroamaro, and in this case the uniquely Puglian Susumaniello grape. In local dialect Susumaniello means something like “loaded like a donkey”, referring to the wine’s massive amounts of aroma and flavour. Pillastro’s creator Angelo Maci is a leading figure in Puglia’s recent quality revolution, and is fervently proud of local traditions and rare grape varieties. As fans of southern Italian wines – and Pillastro fans in particular – will agree, Puglia offers “undreamed-of character and potential” (Hugh Johnson), and mouthwatering Susumaniello is the supreme example of this. Serve in large glasses with braised lamb shanks or caponata.

Pillastro Nero is a true ‘black red’ – from the ornate label to the deep, dark wine inside. Angelo Maci (winner of three Vinitaly Winemaker of the Year titles) crafted it from Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Primitivo (40%) grown on his 80-year-old alberello-trained bush vines in Puglia, Southern Italy. These gnarled heirlooms yield precious few grapes, meaning each one is a knot of intensely concentrated flavour. In the winery, Angelo treated it to six months’ barrel ageing, imparting toasty oak and sweet spice notes to the wine’s lusciously ripe, black- and bramble-fruit flavours. This is a stunner. Enjoy.

Nero di Troia is named after the city of Troia in northern Puglia, which Greek hero Diomedes is said to have founded after helping to defeat the city of Troy with the famed Trojan Horse. There, outside the city walls, he planted vine cuttings, which flourished and were named Nero after their dark skin grapes and the deep coloured wine they produced. Rich, warming, full-bodied Corsiero is rich and velvety with intense black fruit and spice flavours … just perfect served with full-flavoured pasta and rich meat dishes.

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Paje, Barbaresco DOCG

The Vietti family has been producing wine in Castiglione Falletto in the heart of Le Langhe in Piedmont for five generations, with 33 estate vineyards located across all 11 communes designated for the cultivation and production of Barolo, plus Roero for Arneis and Agliano Asti for Barbera and Moscato. In 2016 Vietti was purchased by the American Krause family, however current generation winemaker Luca Currado-Vietti continues to direct the Vietti Estate meticulously, together with his wife Elena Penna-Currado, to produce some of the finest and most representative wines of Le Langhe.

Situated between Neive and the town of Barbaresco itself, Cotta beautifully combines the rich, fuller-bodied nature of Neive, with the tannic structure of Barbaresco. With a south-west exposure, it is usally the richest and roundest of the Sottimano crus, typically showing abundant red and black fruits with refined nuances of mint, leading to a palate of notable length. The tannins are there, but beautifully expressive and silky. A benchmark Barbaresco with a 15-20 year cellar life.

Grown on volcanic soils, this wine has a deep and intense ruby red appearance. The nose has enticing aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, plums and hints of violets. Full bodied on the palate with lively acidity and firm tannins. Expect flavours of dark fruits, pepper, licorice and vanilla unfolds as you discover the beauty of this wine. The wine has a savoury undertone which will make it a great pairing for slow roasted lamb cooked with rosemary and garlic.

Bright ruby red in colour with a vivid, full and intense bouquet. Complex aroma of red fruits, spices and red flowers. Goes well with pasta with rich sauces, meat and seasoned cheese.

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Montefico, Barbaresco DOCG