He was born in Friuli, but doesn't come from a long line of winemakers. His dad was a truck driver, but everyone in the village used to have a few rows of vines and, from these, each family used to make a bit of wine.

All this fascinated Alessandro as he was growing up and winemaking became his chosen career. For some years he was president of a local winery but in 2010 he started up on his own and his wines have continued to impress us.

Made with grapes from the region's top areas, this wine delivers delicate pear fruit and crisp minerally ‘zing’.

The 187ml bottle size is perfect for picnics or enjoy a solo glass of an evening.

Add some extra sparkle to any occasion with mini bottles of Alessandro's super fresh Prosecco, full of delicious apple and lemon flavours.

After all, right across Italy Prosecco is the bubbly of choice and as much a part of daily life as a gelato or an espresso.

This wine comes from northern Italian native Alessandro Gallici. He knows every grape grower worth knowing, every premium vineyard, and has spent his life making outstanding wines.

Softly spoken but passionate, he was for years president of a large winery but has now started his own business focusing on a range of bespoke wines bearing his own name.

Our latest shipment is beautifully fresh. Serve chilled as an aperitivo any time or add fresh peach juice for an authentic Bellini.

Antonio Federici is a small, 3rd-generation cellar in Lazio, just south of Rome. As you'll taste here, its wines are both authentic and exceptionally delicious.

Normally, they only supply their meagre output to top restaurants in Rome. But with most shut in 2020 and 2021, we managed to gain a small allocation of this superb, cherry-scented red.

On fine limestone soils (the rocks of which were used to build some of Rome's most famous buildings) they grow some of Italy's most characterful native grapes. From these they make a small range of highly awarded, rule-breaking wines.

No doubt the skill of top Italian consultant Franco and Matteo Bernabei come into play, as well as the commitment and passion of the family.

A great pizza or pasta red.

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.

Pinot Grigio has staged something of a coup in fridge doors and on dining tables in recent years. Gorgeously fruity, well-priced examples like our Il Papavero are rare, however. The wine is from Scipione Giuliani, who searches throughout Italy to find the finest parcels of grapes, usually blending them to get the perfect balance in a wine. For this Pinot Grigio, however, he was so taken with the fruit from the high hills of Sicily, with its idyllic sunshine and sea breezes, there was no need to look elsewhere.

Il Papavero is mouthwatering stuff, a moreish mix of pear and citrus flavours with both ripeness and bracing freshness thanks to the coastal cooled location of the vines. Pure delight on its own or with white meats or risotto.