The sun shone on Casanova di Neri in 2016, both literally and metaphorically. Wine Advocate described this vintage as having "many excellent wines to choose from". They are great keepers, legendary in fact. An impressive 94-point Brunello.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most magnificent reds, collectors' wines that can age for decades. This is a fine release from Casanova di Neri. A favourite of critics, the estate was founded in 1971 by Giacomo's father, Giovanni, producing his first wine in 1978. Since then they have bought small parcels of top quality vines. Giacomo took over in 1991 and is one of the few to achieve a perfect 100 point rating from both Wine Advocate and James Suckling. This Brunello has been made traditionally, with 40 months ageing in large, old oak casks to lend notes of cedar, leather and spice to the intense red fruit character – all held together with fine tannins. Open early and decant. Superb with steak or duck breast.

For lovers of Tuscany's ethereal Brunello di Montalcino wines, Rosso di Montalcino is a superb and more affordable alternative. It's wines don't quite last the decades of Brunello, but then sometimes you can't wait that long. This glorious pure Sangiovese is from Giacomo Neri, a winemaker renowned for his remarkable Brunellos, two of which have scored a perfect 100 points. His father founded the estate in 1971, realising the huge potential of the area's soil and climate. He passed the property to his son in 1991, who has taken excellence another step even higher, extending the vineyards, now 63 hectares, and buying up some remarkable single vineyards too. Decant this red an hour before serving with rich red meat dishes.

Corsiero Nero is an exciting ‘black red’ from the sun-soaked vineyards of Puglia in the south of Italy, a region with “undreamed-of character and potential” (Hugh Johnson).

Like the much adored so-called ‘standard’ Corsiero, this punchy rich red is full of the dark spicy cherry fruit of Nero di Troia. It’s a terrific southern Italian grape, deeply coloured and full of dense red fruit, and with excellent structure. However, in our ‘riserva’ edition – our thoroughbred charger, Purosangue – the grapes are from particularly old vines to lend even more intensity of flavour.

Leading winemaker Mario Ercolino made a rigorous selection of the grapes, then oak aged the wine in barrel to create this sleek, aristocratic red that will warm you with its velvety texture, rich spice and dense black fruit. Partner with equally substantial dishes – we recommend a well seasoned pork and butter bean casserole or meaty pasta.

Barolo, Italy's king of reds, doesn't come cheap, especially from a great vintage. All the more reason to leap on this special parcel from a stellar vintage and prime vineyards in Cerviano-Merli. Rich, dark chocolate and cherry fruit; silky tannins.