Wine Enthusiast calls Amarone “one of 15 icons in Italian wine”. They are certainly some of the country’s most treasured reds. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sun-drying grapes before fermentation, Amarone wines offer exceptional richness and a glorious combination of power and complexity that cellars well, too. No wonder they are sought after worldwide. This 2020 from esteemed Cantina Negrar pays tribute to 18th century poet Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic poems celebrating rural life made Valpolicella wines famous.

The grapes are from the ancient, dry, stone terraces of the cool Marano Valley, where they ripen slowly. They are then air-dried for 120 days to intensify flavours. Decant early and enjoy with hearty dishes, or cellar.

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.

Our Buyer Leo was delighted to secure this terrific white. It's a wine that's been named among Wine Spectator's World Top 100 wines, from a cellar that's also on their list of Top 100 Wineries in the World. (We can't tell you who, but we don't think you'll mind once you taste it). Of course, Pinot Grigio is known for being a very refreshing drop; crisp with delicate flavours. But a Pinot Grigio from this winemaker, using grapes from Friuli's premium vineyards, is in another realm. The flavours reach an intensity you wouldn't dream possible of this variety. Discover here intense apple and peach fruit, with a floral lift and a subtle spicy finish. Gently chill, it'll be an elegant partner for your finest fish or chicken dishes or solo.

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.