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.

Lying deep in the warmth of southern Italy, Puglia is a haven for authentic, rich reds that exceed expectations without breaking the bank. Our buyer, Leo, took great pleasure in reserving this wine, named after its talented winemaker Leonardo Palumbo. Winemaker Leo says it’s a rule of his family that you only put your name on the label of a wine you’re really delighted with. And he is!

This wine showcases a luscious, smooth blend of Puglia’s finest red grapes. Nero di Troia for elegant peppery fruit, Negroamaro for deep colour, ripe plum hints and structure, and Primitivo for damson hints and deeper bass notes. Together, they make the perfect ensemble – dark, ripe deliciousness. Best with grilled meats or a hearty veggie casserole.

If you enjoy the food-friendly reds of northern Italy, especially the Valpolicella Ripasso style, you'll love this. We have worked with Italian Winery of the Year Cantina di Negrar for years. They own a vineyard in the Marano Valley and they’ve offered us a deal on their Rosso Veronese – a wine usually reserved for their Italian fans. It’s named after Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic 18th-century poem of rural life made Valpolicella wines famous the world over.

The Marano Valley is especially cool, so grapes take longer to ripen, which adds depth, character and freshness to the wines. Also included is a dash of dark Amarone. With black cherry fruit and Christmas cake spice, it’s hard to imagine a more appealing Veronese red. Great with game.

If it weren’t for Angelo Maci, many of the last remaining century-old vines in Puglia would have been uprooted by now.