Oltrepo Pavese lies in southwest Lombardy, next to Piedmont, hence its former name, Old Piedmont. Castello di Cigognola is an impressive, 13th-century castle, lying high on a hill, overlooking the Scuropasso Valley, across to Emilia Romagna. No wonder, then, it was once a stronghold for feudal lords. Over the centuries, it has been a gathering place for politicians and philosophers and today it remains a tranquil spot. It is home to many artistic pursuits, including great wine. Gabriele Moratti is in charge today. Sustainably tended, the vineyards are in the process of organic conversion. Using all Barbera from their 30-year-old La Maga vineyard, the wine had a year's ageing in small barrels. A very fine red. Open early and decant, or age.

Founded in 1965 by Alfo Bartolommei, this remarkable family estate is one of the region’s star performers. It used to be part of the great Pieve Santa Restituta and is also a neighbour to the renowned Soldara. All in all, with its 21 hectares of vines, the property is perfectly situated to produce some of the very finest Brunellos. Every vintage, their wines gain top scores. Alfo’s three children – Paolo, Paola and Manuele – now run the estate, with grandson Giacomo as winemaker. They’ve been ratcheting up the quality in recent years, so it's remarkable how this domaine has remained relatively under the radar. Despite his youth and dynamism, Giacomo keeps methods fairly traditional, as well as organic. This is a mesmerising, complex red.

A region that offers “undreamed-of character and potential,” and “reds that give you a lot of wine for your money” (Decanter).

It comes to us courtesy of the legendary Feudi di San Gregorio, one of Puglia’s finest estates, renowned for being among the first modern wineries to champion the region’s native grapes. It regularly garners 90+ point scores from the likes of The Wine Advocate and top critic James Suckling, and their wines are literally fine pieces of art.

Ognissole Primitivo hails from the prestigious Gioia del Colle DOC (“jewels of the hill”) and the 400-metre-high plateau it sits on is considered to be the homeland of the Primitivo grape. Organically grown, the fruit enjoys beautiful breezes from the Adriatic and Ionian seas which give the grapes much needed relief from the warm Italian sun, creating rich, velvety and intense wines. The result is a lusciously decadent red packed with sumptuous berry fruits, a mouth coating texture and delicious spice kick.