Eye:Classic deep purple colour Nose:Intense aromas,of little red fruits and cherries Palate:Good structure with harmonic balance and soft tannins.

Ruby red colour with violet dark hints. Intense, complex, fruity aroma, with notes of small red fruits, cherries and blackberries. Velvety and soft texture, warm and quite tannic. with long persistence. Excellent with savory pasta dishes, lamb, game with rich sauces, seasoned cheeses.

A collation of parcels Sangiovese by traditional growers on the superior Chianti highlands in Rufina, at the very foothills of the Apennines. Masi have been assembling the best harvests and making the finest Chianti for generations. Fruit is treated to ferments at warmer temperatures, followed by the softening of a term of malolactic, to be bottled while vital and unoaked as the perfect accompaniment to all fine fare. Intense ruby hues presage a soundly structured, food friendly wine, its appetizingly drying palate and red berry perfumes are a bliss alongside vealcotoletta, porcini et sugo pommodore.

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.

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.

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Paje, Barbaresco DOCG

Pasquale Pelissero is a small, family-run winery that originated in a garage under the guidance of "Papa" Pasquale, a trailblazing figure in Neive known for being among the first to independently bottle and market his wines. Despite being a traditionalist, Pasquale remained receptive to new winemaking and cellar management methods. The vineyards are highly esteemed, often attracting visits from fellow producers in the region. Nestled near the summit of Bricco San Giuliano hill, the cellar is entirely enveloped by Pelissero vineyards. Following Pasquale's passing in 2007, his daughter Ornella has admirably upheld the family's legacy, managing all aspects of the vineyards and cellar, with her only innovation being the acquisition of a temperature-controlled fermentation tank. Their Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco originates from an 8-hectare plot situated approximately 400 meters above sea level and undergoes exclusive aging in large casks, while the Dolcetto, characterized by its plum notes and intriguing hints of flint and smoke, matures in stainless steel. Situated in the historically significant and picturesque Neive, the winery's annual output totals around 15,000 bottles. The estate is a proud member of "Biotipicità," a recently established consortium of Langhe producers committed to sustainable farming practices in accordance with the Italian "lotta integrata" regulation. The Pasquale Pelissero Barbera D'Alba 2021 is a pure expression of 100% Barbera grapes, cultivated in vineyards with a south-west exposure and boasting a vine age of 30 years. This wine presents a deep ruby colour with garnet hues, setting the stage for an enticing sensory experience. The aroma is characterized by ripe red fruits, cherry, blackberry, prune and a touch of black pepper, creating a captivating olfactory journey. On the palate, it reveals a medium-bodied profile with the naturally high acidity inherent to Barbera grapes, making it a versatile and food-friendly option. Additionally, the wine offers a delightful hint of sweet spicy notes, adding depth and complexity to its overall character.

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.