Tim Atkin MW says Sicily is “now one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, blessed with a combination of abundant sunshine, varied terroirs, good indigenous grapes.” Plus, it has the investment to make the most of these advantages. This gorgeous Syrah comes from David di Prima, whose grandfather Gaspare planted the vines decades ago. The vineyards lie on high hills overlooking the Lago Arancio (Orange Tree Lake) reservoir. Originally a river, it was dammed in the 1950s. On rare occasions the water level drops to reveal the ruins of a Moorish temple. With deep colour, cherry, spice and chocolate character, this Syrah goes well with grilled red meats and full flavoured local dishes such as aubergine caponata or cucuzza squash bake.

Bright, intense ruby red in colour, Tasca Regaleali Nero d'Avola is full flavoured with notes of sour cherry, mulberry, blueberry and vanilla. Herbaceous spice such as sage add further complexity leading into a beautifully balanced red wine.

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.

It’s no coincidence Pillastro is one of our bestselling Italian reds – customers love all that richness, warmth and bold, ripe fruit. Pillastro comes from Puglia, in Italy’s deep south, best known for big, smoky wines made from prized local varieties Primitivo and Negroamaro. It is made by Angelo Maci, a leading figure in the quality revolution of the last two decades, whose cellar Cantine Due Palme has twice been named Winery of the Year. Angelo made this wine purely from Primitivo, which produces rich, powerful reds with plenty of ripe fruit. A period of oak ageing has infused the wine’s generous plum and damson character with notes of spice and vanilla. Enjoy with hearty casseroles, pasta with a rich tomato sauce, or garlic roasted lamb.

The cold nights have set in, we’ve curated the mixed cases that we know will warm you up. So, light the fire, put up your feet and enjoy our selection of Red Favourites. Our pack includes: Cantina Tollo Pietrame Montepulciano Ruby red with violet reflexes. Aromas of small red berry fruits,wild cherry, violets, delicateand spicy Full bodied, well-structuredwith soft and well-balancedtannins. Cantina Etrusca - Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2020 Originally produced as a Sangiovese dominant blend a true expression of the Scansano DOCG in Tuscany. Intense ruby red in colour, ripe red fruits and spices, balanced out by Intense and complex parfumes, with satiny mouthfeel. A traditional wine, the Morellino di Scansano aims to embody the best traditions of this ancient winemaking region. Cantina Etrusca Premium Nero d'Avola DOC 2020 An Intense Ruby red color. A bouquet or varietal notes,vanilla and spice hints. Typical flavours of ripe fruit, such as plums and raisins. Well structured and balanced.

Save the vines and enjoy a gorgeous, rich red! Poggioreale used to be an important wine village in Sicily. It was where Dino Taschetta grew up, like generations of his family before him. After an earthquake reduced Poggioreale to ruins in 1968, a new town was built further down the hill and the vineyards above the village, the highest and oldest in Sicily, were then neglected for decades. Now, with many of the island’s oldest Nero d’Avola vines grubbed up, there’s even more reason to treasure what’s left. Dino recently returned to the family estate and began to restore the vineyard. His first vintage was 2017 and he was in urgent need of a customer. Our Buyer tasted the wine and reserved it all. A year later, we’ve returned for more.

We used to think that Sofia Barbanera's regular Saracosa was intense. And then she upped the ante, with this lavish, luscious, silky smooth Saracosa Governo. A limited-edition luxury version of her already indulgent ‘Super Tuscan’, Governo uses an ancient Tuscan method of allowing a portion of the grapes to air dry for a period of time, dialling the flavour concentration way up. Italy’s top critic, Luca Maroni, has long been a fan of the Saracosa reds, and this one is no exception – he has rated both the 2016 and the 2017 vintagehere a stunning 98 points! English wine writer Oz Clarke is also smitten by Governo’s many charms, calling it “indulgent and exotic”. One taste and we think you’ll fall in love with it too.

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.